Layla was destined to be a swimmer.

She was born at the lake house belonging to the Glenn family. Layla’s mom was not due for several more days, so no one was expecting three puppies on Memorial Day weekend six years ago, but it happened.

And soon, Layla took to the water like a fish.

Layla lives with Careomy and Daniel Glenn, 13-month-old McKenzie and two canine brothers: Tiny, a Saint Bernard, and Sebastian, a Yorkshire terrier.

When they go to the lake, the entire family goes. Careomy says that as soon as the car door opens, Layla races to the lake, jumps into the water in a glorious splash as if she’s announcing to the world “I’m here” and swims as fast as her little legs will take her.

“She loves swimming and has ever since she was a puppy,” says Careomy.

Layla is a shih tzu, a breed that originated in China and was the house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty. They are outgoing and active, but not particularly noted for their swimming prowess, but Layla is an exception.

She has proven to be an exception in many ways.

Layla was the Glenn family baby for five years until McKenzie was born, so Layla had to do some adjusting. Now she has relinquished her title as ‘baby’ and has happily added McKenzie to her protective fold. The one thing that is not negotiable with Layla is her blanket, the one she’s had since puppyhood, the one she used to drag around just like Charles Schulz’s “Linus” character from the Peanuts comic strip, the one she sleeps with every night.

The shih tzu breed is also known for their long silky coats, but Layla is sporting her summer cut now, which makes drying off after a swim so much easier.

Look out Michael Phelps!

Ann Malone is a pet photographer and can't remember a time she did not have pets in her life. Today she has three dogs, three cats and one parrot. She can be reached at annmh@live.com.