A birthday commission by  ZombiNeko for me and  zee-zee. Here we see Zee-zee being clever as he swims with his mother Zena. Be sure to check out the original at http://www.furaffinity.net/view/33474572 . There's also a story to go with it:

"Isn't this exciting dear Zee-zee?" asked the mother squirrel Zena, leading her boy by the paw. "I can't wait to go swimming" yapped Zee-zee "And swim by myself without waterwings". "Just like a big boy" Zena complemented patting his head. Paddleside Fowls waterpark was their favourite place to take swimming lessons and relax.

In the changing room Zena was wearing her own swimming bikini. She removed Zee-zee's pullup and it its place, she slipped on a pair of disposable Pluvies Swim Pants. The cute sea creature designs really stood out and gave the impression of real swimwear making Zee-zee feel more grown up than a toddler. He wished his father Zed could have come over to see him swim, but Zed had some house maintenance to attend to.

Once Zee-zee was changed, Zena took him to one of the most exciting attractions of Paddleside Fowls. It was the water maze, a shallow and deep pool where cubs could learn to swim, climb on to any platform surface, stand on any steps and an ambundance of swim toys to play with. Although it was meant for cubs, adults could comfortably wade and bathe in the water.

"Now remember Zee-zee" Zena told him "No diving, you still have a lot to learn before you reach that stage". "Okay mum" Zee-zee agreed. So the little squirrel carefully climbed down the pool stairs, the electrically warmed water covering his feet and rising towards his neck with every step he took. Now he could stand on the bottom of the pool.

"Ok my boy" Zena said "Let's see how well you swim by yourself. Remember the strokes I taught you". Zee-zee stood bent his knees a bit then pushed himself forward and began to paddle around the pool. "I'm doing it mum, I'm doing it!" he cheered. "Well that is clever" Zena complemented "Don't stop, keep swimming. Perhaps you can make it to that square over there".

Determined to prove himself, Zee-zee swam to the square and did not put his feet on the bottom once. He climbed up on the square and looked at all the large toys scattered. There were large noodles made of foam, floating boards, lilos and some animal toys. Zee-zee found a plastic sunfish, which would come in handy for floating. Then he put it down, deciding it was cleverer to swim without it.

"Hi! Zee-zee" came a familiar call. Zee-zee turned round and saw his good chipskunk friend Skippy wearing a pink frilly bathing suit adorning yellow flowers and a swim diaper showing at the legholes. He also had a matching shower cap and around his waist a lilac inflated rubber ring with pink spots, a pony's head plus a harness between his legs. Zee-zee knew Skippy liked to dress all cute and girly, so it didn't bother him.

"Are you swimming too?" Zee-zee asked. "I am" Skippy replied "My mama taught me to kick and paddle". "Why do you need a float ring?" asked the squirrel "Isn't it cleverer to swim without it". Skippy thought about it then answered "I feel safer with something to float me. It's great that you're swimming without waterwings. I've got a long way to go".

Zee-zee beamed. Skippy was a bit older than him, yet far behind in potty training and independence. Still that didn't bother him. Skippy was a good friend and a good sort to chat with. While the two were chatting away, Zena was practicing her strokes and to float on the water. "Ahhh" she sighed "Swimming sure takes a lot off your mind".

Soon Skippy was done chatting. "Well I'm off to the cubby pool" he said "Send my regards to Gem when you meet her". "Will do" Zee-zee agreed. Skippy got out of the water and started to make his way to the large inflatable pool where all the little swimmers got together. "Don't think he knows what he's missing" Zee-zee thought, then got back in the water to continue his swimming practice.

The disadvantage of swimming without floats was getting tired and no opportunity to rest your feet without touching the bottom. Zee-zee noticed that and decided he would take a short break at the shallow stairs. He saw his mother relaxing and floating on the surface near the deeper pool boundaries. He wondered how such a heavy squirrel could float in water.

Zee-zee had an idea. He swam up towards his mother then put his arms around her waist. "Oh!" Zena said looking and seeing Zee-zee "How's your swimming?". "Great" Zee-zee told her "And I've learned something else". He demonstrated by lifting his mother with both arms up into the water. He then kicked and pushed with his tail, carrying Zena around the pool.

"Look at me, I'm a strong clever squirrel!" Zee-zee cheered. "That's for sure" Zena agreed. It was relaxing being carried by her own son for a change. Normally she was the one who carried Zee-zee up to bed. It was only possible in water to work the other way round. He sure had learned a lot about swimming. If only Zed were around to see it. He would believe Zee-zee and congratulate him anyway.

Soon it was time to go back home. Zena took Zee-zee to the showers to wash all the swimming pool water off. After showering, they dried themselves very thoroughly with their towels. Zena checked Zee-zee's Pluvies Swim Pants, but wasn't able to tell if Zee-zee had wet it. It seemed to be in good condition, but now that it was used, Zena threw it in the trash.

At the changing lockers, Zena got dressed, while Zee-zee put on his pullup, shorts, shirt, socks and shoes. A few minutes later, they were in the car heading home. Zee-zee had enjoyed his swim day and couldn't wait to do it again next week. Hopefully Zed could come and see him swim well.

"I won't need my waterwings anymore" Zee-zee said as he shifted himself in his booster seat "What shall I do with them?". "Perhaps you should hold on to them for emergencies" Zena suggested "There are friends of yours who may want to borrow them". "Sure" Zee-zee agreed "They can see how clever I am without them".