Doggy paddling's stroke of fame

Jake, a Golden Retriever, finished in the top 15 percent of more than 500 swimmers in the South End Rowing Club's 10th annual Alcatraz Invitational, becoming the first furry four-legger to take the famous prison-escape dip. Four-year-old Jake propelled his 65 pounds through 1.2 miles of cold and choppy water, finishing 72nd in 41 minutes and 45 seconds, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle.

While it's not far for Jake, who swims four miles a week, swimming with a retriever was a first for the South End Rowing Club, which has been around for more than 100 years.