Finding Beauty and Bravery at the Bay

Hey everyone! Last weekend, I had an amazing time exploring Jack Bay — a hidden gem tucked away on the east end of St. Croix, USVI. It’s a bit of a climb down the mountain (watch your paws!), but the view on the way there is astonishing, and the beach upon arrival is totally worth it.

I’ve been to Jack Bay before, but this time was extra special because I got to bring my dog sister, Kona. You may not know this, but she loved the water back in Wisconsin. If there was a lake, creek, or pool, she was in it! Being in the water always brought her peace, so, I figured she might enjoy the ocean too. It turns out, I was right. It was her first trip ever to the ocean and she LOVED it! I’ve never seen that girl have more chill than she did in those waves. My human brother, Elijah, is that way too. The ocean is kind of his happy place. Maybe it’s the coolness of the water or the persistent rhythm of the waves, but those two could float for hours while I’m still deciding if my paws even want to get wet.

The ocean has always been a little intimidating to me. I love being near the water, but actually in it? That’s another story. When the waves rush out, I think, “Okay, this isn’t so bad.” But then the waves come roaring back, chasing me to shore, and I’m suddenly reminded that I’m just a small pup standing before what my human dad calls “a cruel mistress” — the ocean herself. This time around? I don’t know. There was just something about watching Kona swim with Elijah and Penelope that made me want to be brave and join them. So, I did it — I went all the way in!! I was actually in the water so deep that my paws left the sand and my body just… floated. And then, my legs started moving and before I even knew what was happening, I heard my human mom yell, “Oh my gosh! He’s doing it. Zuksie is swimming! He’s actually swimming!!”

Elijah, Penelope, and Kona were right by my side. Sometimes, we just need people we love to help us find our brave – to try new things – to be vulnerable – to take chances. Before our outing to Jack Bay, I never knew I could actually swim! As it turns out, I’m pretty good at it. I even kept “air-swimming” when my humans lifted me out of the water. If you ever find yourself in St. Croix, I highly recommend Jack Bay. It’s a place to try new things, have adventures, bond with loved ones, and discover courage you didn’t know you had.