The dangers of living in Florida

So last weekend we had a puppy welcoming party with some friends. There was about 8 people in the back yard playing with Bessi and Smili. They were off of their leashes happy as can be. I warned everyone to be carefull as the pups like to play in the sand (In FL we do not really have dirt, but sand) by the lake in the back yard. Now I must preface for those of you in the midwest a FL "Lake" is really no more than a small man made pond that you could almost throw a rock across to the other side. Sure enough they bolted toward the lake, which is really no big issue other than the fact that you are going to get sandy trying to chase them. We caught them and carried them back to the grass.......Just then I turned around and looked at the lake (Not really sure why I did, just a feeling I guess). About 4 feet from the edge of the lake I saw something surface......Yes an alligator! He was only about 4 ft long so he was not an adult, but none the less, he scared the poop out of me. I yelled "Bassets do NOT taste like Chicken" as I hurried them into the house.

Now nearly every day I see that darn gator swimming close to the edge of the lake. I have to be carefull walking the pups now as he is obviously watching them.