Charlie was a happy golden retriever who loved his owners and his backyard. He enjoyed running around the grass, chasing butterflies, and digging holes. He also liked to play with his friends, Lisa the squirrel and Shadow the black cat, who lived in the neighborhood. They often came over to visit him and share his toys and treats.

One sunny day, Charlie was napping on his porch when he heard his owners’ car pull up. He jumped up and ran to greet them, wagging his tail and barking. He saw them carrying a big box and wondered what it was. He followed them as they went to the backyard and opened the box. He was amazed to see a bright blue kiddy pool with colorful fish and bubbles on it. His owners smiled and said, “We got you a surprise, Charlie! We know how much you love water, so we bought you your own pool. You can splash and swim in it whenever you want. Do you like it?”

Charlie was overjoyed. He loved water, especially on hot days. He had always wanted to go to the beach or the lake, but his owners said it was too far and too crowded. Now he had his own water playground in his backyard. He barked and licked his owners’ faces, then ran to the pool and jumped in. The water was cool and refreshing, and he felt like he was in a dream. He paddled around, splashed with his paws, and blew bubbles with his nose. He was having so much fun that he didn’t notice his owners leaving. He was too busy enjoying his new pool.

Charlie played in the pool for a long time, until he started to feel hungry and thirsty. He got out of the pool and shook off the water from his fur. He went to his food bowl and ate some kibble, then drank some water from his water bowl. He felt much better and decided to take a nap on his porch. He lay down and closed his eyes, but he couldn’t sleep. He kept thinking about his pool and how much fun it was. He also thought about his friends, Lisa and Shadow, and how they would love to see his pool. He wondered if they would like to play with him in the water. He decided to invite them over and share his pool with them. He got up and ran to the fence, where he usually saw them. He looked around and saw Lisa sitting on a tree branch, nibbling on an acorn. He barked and waved his paw at her. She looked down and saw him. She smiled and said, “Hi, Charlie! What’s up?”

Charlie said, “Hi, Lisa! I have something to show you. Come over to my backyard. I have a surprise for you.”

Lisa was curious. She liked surprises, especially if they involved food or fun. She said, “OK, I’ll be right there.” She jumped down from the tree and ran to the fence. She climbed over it and landed in Charlie’s backyard. She saw the pool and gasped. She said, “Wow, Charlie! What is that? It’s so big and blue and shiny. It looks like a giant bowl of water.”

Charlie said, “It is a giant bowl of water. It’s my pool. Tad and El bought it for me. I can swim and splash in it whenever I want. It’s so much fun. Do you want to try it?”

Lisa was hesitant. She liked water, but only in small amounts. She said, “I don’t know, Charlie. I’m not a good swimmer. I’m afraid I might drown.”

Charlie said, “Don’t worry, Lisa. The water is not deep. You can stand on the bottom. And I’ll be with you. I’ll teach you how to swim. It’s easy and fun. Come on, Lisa. It’ll be fun. Please?”

Lisa looked at Charlie’s pleading eyes and felt tempted. She trusted Charlie and knew he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her. She said, “OK, Charlie. I’ll try it. But only for a little while. And you have to promise to stay with me and help me.”

Charlie said, “I promise, Lisa. I’ll stay with you and help you. Come on, let’s go.” He took her paw and led her to the pool. He said, “Look, Lisa. The water is not scary. It’s cool and refreshing. It feels good on your fur. Just dip your paw in and see.”

Lisa dipped her paw in the water and felt the coolness. She said, “It does feel good, Charlie. But it’s still wet and slippery. I don’t think I can swim in it.”

Charlie said, “You can, Lisa. You just have to move your legs and your tail. Like this.” He showed her how to paddle and kick in the water. He said, “See, Lisa? It’s easy. Just follow me and do what I do. You’ll be swimming in no time.”

Lisa watched Charlie and tried to copy him. She said, “OK, Charlie. I’ll try. But don’t go too fast or too far. And don’t let go of my paw.”

Charlie said, “I won’t, Lisa. I’ll be right here with you. Come on, let’s go.” He held her paw and pulled her into the water. He said, “Don’t be afraid, Lisa. Just relax and enjoy the water. It’s fun. Trust me.”

Lisa followed Charlie into the water and felt the water surround her. She felt nervous and excited at the same time. She said, “OK, Charlie. I trust you. Let’s do this.” She moved her legs and her tail and felt herself moving in the water. She said, “Wow, Charlie. I’m swimming. I’m really swimming. This is amazing.”

Charlie said, “I told you, Lisa. You can do it. You’re a natural. You’re doing great. Keep going, Lisa. You’re awesome.” He smiled and cheered her on. He was proud of his friend and happy to share his pool with her. He said, “This is fun, Lisa. This is the best day ever. I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

Lisa said, “Me too, Charlie. Me too. This is fun. This is the best day ever. I’m so glad you invited me.” She smiled and hugged him. They swam and splashed together, having a blast. They forgot about everything else and just enjoyed the moment. They were having the time of their lives.