In a delightful display of canine determination and intellect, a Labrador named Mabel has captured the internet's heart with her persistent efforts to master a children's paddling pool. Her owner, Khristen, documented the entire saga in a now-viral YouTube video, revealing a journey of frustration, destruction, and ultimate triumph.
The 'Blue Pearl' Obsession Begins
Khristen introduced her pet, Mabel, to a kiddie pool when the dog was little. However, what started as a simple toy quickly turned into an obsession. Mabel, who is no stranger to creating what her family calls 'Disaster Time', one day devised a plan. She decided to drag the small plastic pool, affectionately dubbed the 'Blue Pearl', into the family's larger swimming pool to see if it would float.
The footage shows the determined Labrador gripping the pool with her teeth, hauling it to the water's edge, and pushing it in. Yet, her initial attempts were met with immediate failure. Every time Mabel jumped onto the Blue Pearl, it would sink beneath her weight. "There was a lot of trial and error," Khristen explained, as Mabel repeated the process in different areas of the pool, unsuccessfully, for ninety per cent of the time.
A Journey of Canine Frustration and Persistence
Mabel's persistence was remarkable. On one rare occasion where the pool didn't sink, her victory was short-lived. The Blue Pearl became marooned on the concrete steps of the pool, leaving her stuck. "She was in, but she wasn't quite floating yet," her owner recalled. Undeterred, Mabel tried again in the deep end, launching herself onto the pool only to sink once more. The weight of the sturdy dog was simply too much for the lightweight plastic.
The viral video then takes a destructive turn, showcasing Mabel's ultimate frustration. After numerous failed attempts, she dragged the Blue Pearl onto the lawn and proceeded to rip it apart with her teeth. "Mabel, what have you done? Now it will never float!" Khristen could be heard exclaiming. The owner admitted there was "immediate regret" and that it was "so sad to watch her."
Innovative Solution Leads to Happy Ending
The story, however, has a heartwarming conclusion. Khristen sought a more viable solution, purchasing an inflatable pool for Mabel. While this initially worked better, Mabel's weight still partially submerged it, causing it to fill with water. Taking suggestions from viewers, Khristen and her family engineered a perfect fix. They stretched an inflatable pool around a new Blue Pearl, creating a robust, unsinkable platform.
"Nothing she could do could sink it," Khristen hailed. This new challenge of trying to sink the now-buoyant Blue Pearl became Mabel's favourite game. Khristen closed by stating their goal was simply to keep Mabel happy, promising to "buy as many Blue Pearls as she wishes" and keep a spare stocked at all times.
The internet has been charmed by Mabel's apparent intelligence. One YouTube user declared her a "goddamn dog genius" for her ability to see an additional use for an object and her persistent trial-and-error approach. Others praised her sophisticated problem-solving skills and tenacity, proving that sometimes the most heartwarming stories come with four legs and a wagging tail.
