Ricky learns a lesson - I hope

Having a relatively mild winter, the pool hasn't frozen over much. I have been scared several times watching as Ricky has jumped out onto the ice and chased leaves or sticks around. He really enjoys it. The sticks fly across that ice like a hockey puck and he skates over to his toy, sliding around on the ice while I have a heart attack.

Saturday around noon we had a gentle snow coming down and the pool was starting to freeze over. Key word here is "starting". I had just gotten home from CAP and the cats wanted out. Hopper took off to the side yard but Ricky........ approached the side of the pool. He took a rocking start and bent over the edge. I opened the sliding door and scared him so he moved back away from the edge. I closed the door and he went back to leaning over the side. I figured this was a better time than most, I was there watching and could easily get to the net to rescue him.

He started his rocking and leapt onto the ice. He had a satisfied grin on his face for about half a second, then.... the ice began to crack and into the drink he went. He couldn't get his paws onto the side of the pool and the ice would break when he tried grabbing it. I flew out the door and ran for the net. The net was not in its usual place so I had to go looking for it. I finally found the leaf basket and rran to the pool, scooped it under him and raised him straight up. I hadn't started to move him toward the side yet but he flew onto the deck, up the stairs, and into the open door.

The floor was sopped and I could see a trail or water through the kitchen, through the living room, and up the stairs. I got a towel and tried to dry him but he was having none of that.

I sure hope Ricky has learned his lesson. I tried to convince Joe that we should also throw Hopper in while we were home to rescue him so he could learn the lesson too. Joe declined.