Few things are better for pet parents than watching our dogs do something they love. But sometimes, for their own well-being, favorite activities have to take a short hiatus.
For Bauer, a young Golden Retriever, that pause meant four long weeks on dry land while he recovered from illness. When he was finally cleared to dive back into the pool, his joy was impossible to miss. Carrying his emotional support bowl, his teeth chattered with excitement, and the moment his dad told him he could go for a swim, his burst of happiness could lift even the gloomiest winter mood.
You can see his headfirst excitement in this TikTok shared by @imbluethesiberiann on February 20:
The moment Mom asked, “Do you remember how to jump in?” Bauer answered with a confident headfirst dive straight into the pool. His zoomies around the water while playing fetch with Dad showed pure exhilaration as he launched himself in after each throw. And yes, there was one heart-stopping moment when he appeared to come a little too close to the edge, but thankfully all was well, and the game continued.
Related: Golden Retriever Puppy Leaps Into Dad’s Arms After First Day of Day Care and It’s Perfect
When it was time to go inside, Bauer wasn’t ready to call it a day. In fact, he even wriggled free from Dad’s arms mid-dry-off for one last splash. Eventually, he was carried back inside, soaked and satisfied after finally enjoying a midwinter dip in his South Florida pool.
Fans couldn’t get enough of the joyful scene. One viewer gushed, “I love him so much!!! The excitement with his teeth clanking the bowl was too cute!” Another, @rhondafigg, added, “He is definitely in his happy place!” Meanwhile, @Jizel_Naidoo joked, “The head dive was insane. I would give it a score of 100/10.” At this rate, Bauer may be ready to try out for the Summer Olympics.
Now that Bauer can swim again, he’s making the most of every chance he gets. In a February 22 TikTok, he even gives Dad quite the workout, dodging attempts to get him out of the pool and squeezing in every last splash.
Why Swimming Is Exciting and Beneficial for Dogs
For many dogs, swimming is more than play. It provides exercise while being gentle on the body. The American Kennel Club notes that swimming builds endurance and muscle strength while reducing strain on joints, making it especially helpful for dogs recovering from injury or returning to activity.
For active breeds like Golden Retrievers, water also offers mental stimulation and an outlet for pent-up energy. After time away, that release can show up as extra enthusiasm, from chattering teeth to joyful zoomies.
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For Bauer and his family, this midwinter swim was more than pool time. It marked a return to routine, a release of energy, and a moment of shared happiness that made the wait worthwhile.
This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.