Photos by Holly Leitner
Back by popular demand, for a seventh consecutive year, is our Lake Dogs portfolio — where we pay homage to our four-legged friends who are happiest when near their beloved Geneva Lake.
Being at the lake brings out a little mischief in these pups and who can blame them? Whether running full-throttle off the end of a pier, serving as the proud co-pilot of their family’s boat or gliding across the water on a paddleboard, we think we’ve captured the essence of their pure innocence, care-free attitudes and never-ending joy. So let’s revel in their silliness and loveable personalities, because as most of us know, life is a whole lot better with a dog by our side.
The 21 dogs photographed this year represent breeds of all sizes and varieties from Penny Lane, an adorable English bulldog puppy to Vinny, a high-energy black Labrador retriever. And if these don’t fulfill the cuteness factor for you, be sure to check out our book, “Lake Dogs,” featuring over 100 full-color photographs of dogs who call Geneva Lake home. Visit our online store for more information and to order your copy.
Family: Julie and Kurt Hoadley
Favorite Lake Activities: Playing fetch with a tennis ball and socializing with friends at The Abbey Harbor
Pet Peeve: When food isn’t shared with her
Naughtiest Deed: Chasing wild turkeys in the yard
Family: Julie, Ike, Sophia and Sabrina
Favorite Lake Activities: Boating and tubing
Pet Peeve: Not being the center of attention
Naughtiest Deed: Taking food off the table or off plates! Also known for snatching ice cream cones right out of your hand!
Family: Martha and Rich Cucco
Favorite Lake Activity: Boating
Pet Peeve: Squirrels at the bird feeder
Naughtiest Deed: Barking at the wind
Family: Brian, Angie and Ella Jahns
Favorite Lake Activity: Loves to watch the water and nap
Pet Peeve: Hates putting on her life jacket
Naughtiest Deed: Digging holes
Family: The Jordans (Ryan, Frances, Grace and Abigail)
Favorite Lake Activities: Walking the Shore Path and boating
Pet Peeve: When people refuse to say hi
Naughtiest Deed: Creating holes in socks
Family: The Erlenbaughs
Favorite Lake Activity: Riding in the golf cart
Pet Peeve: When human friends don’t share their snacks
Naughtiest Deed: Biting family members’ toes
Family: Natalie Sliwinski
Favorite Lake Activity: Swimming after sticks in Williams Bay
Pet Peeve: The existence of bunnies and squirrels
Naughtiest Deed: Lying in mud puddles
Family: Dave and Sharon Mehr
Favorite Lake Activity: Early morning swims
Pet Peeve: Dog food without mix-ins (people food)
Naughtiest Deed: Stealing socks off people’s feet
Family: The Hausners
Favorite Lake Activity: Boat rides
Pet Peeves: Squirrels, raccoons, bunnies, chipmunks, opossums
Naughtiest Deed: Eating bacon grease out of a pan on the counter
Family: The Hausners
Favorite Lake Activity: Swimming in the lake
Pet Peeve: Walking past the lake and not being able to go in
Naughtiest Deed: Jumped in the lake on a morning walk and wouldn’t come back — the fishermen on the pier had to pull him out
Family: Sandy and Jack Goggin
Favorite Lake Activities: Retrieving —both on the water and land — especially tennis balls! Playing in the snow.
Pet Peeve: Nobody taking her out to play
Naughtiest Deed: She ate four beef tenderloin fillets before they could be grilled
Family: Jon and Lauren Harrigan
Favorite Lake Activities: Boat rides and lake path walks
Pet Peeve: Barking at other dogs in boats or on piers
Naughtiest Deed: Swimming off the boat without his life jacket
Family: Mary, Anthony and Thomas Ferrini
Favorite Lake Activities: Swimming and wading in the Samuel Donian Wetland Preserve
Pet Peeves: Fireworks, storms and not getting their way
Naughtiest Deed: With those faces how can they be naughty?
Family: The Reddys
Favorite Lake Activity: Fishing, fishing and more fishing!
Pet Peeves: Fireworks and thunderstorms
Naughtiest Deed: Sneaking away with candy and leaving the wrapper
Family: Joe and Diane Safin
Favorite Lake Activity: Jumping off the dock for his red hoses
Pet Peeve: Sirens
Naughtiest Deed: He’s a “Noodle Bully.” He tries to take everyone’s swimming noodle.
Family: Tankings
Favorite Lake Activity: Swimming, swimming and more swimming!
Pet Peeve: Having to get out of the water to go home
Naughtiest Deed: Eating rolls of toilet paper — during a pandemic and a toilet paper shortage!
Family: Pat and Kathy Maher
Favorite Lake Activity: Chasing geese
Pet Peeve: Fast cars that drive by
Naughtiest Deed: Loves to bark
Family: Pat and Kathy Maher
Favorite Lake Activity: Bird watching
Pet Peeve: Big waves
Naughtiest Deed: Chasing bunnies
Can’t get enough of these lake pups? Check out the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Lake Dogs features!
