Get a Cat
Nov.26,2000Dear BruceWe have been there. When we bought the boat we had a 90 pound overly affectionate hound called Chester the Molester (no man’s leg was safe). We looked at and rejected boat after boat looking for one where he could accommodate the companionway. In hindsight the right boat for a big dog is a catamaran where climbing is minimal and boarding from a dinghy is eased by transom stairs. Bet you never thought of having a big dog was a reason to own a “cat”, did you? The four legged ones make me sneeze.If they are an older dog it can be extremely difficult for the dog to adjust to being on the boat, especially when underway. This frequently results in the dog refusing to defecate, leading to bowel obstructions, septiceimia and other problems. We know of one case where this happened where the dog was hospitalized and operated on to clear the obstruction. We know of several other cases where dogs were constipated after voyages and caused grave concern to their owners, until the problem “passed.”While at dock the dogs can get on and off easily, but messing the docks is a sure way to become unpopular with the neighbors and management. We know of more than one case where the mess was returned unceremoniously to the deck of the boat owner. When at anchor getting the dog in and out of the dinghy from a monohull is a real challenge. Dogs need to relieve themselves at least twice a day it seems. Four times a day, hoisting a 90 pound hound, and as they get older it doesn’t get easier. We looked at rigging a harness for our dog but because he developed disc problems we believed this would be a form of torture for our beloved pet. Our good old boy developed cancer and so was euthanized before the cancer destroyed him, so he didn’t make it on board The Legend. In hindsight we now believe that was for the best for the dog. Some of the conditions we sailed in were truly appalling. The dog would have been very upset by these conditions. Many countries in the Caribbean and elsewhere require you to leave your dog on board at all times or else he will be put in quarantine. Not being able to go for a run on the beach or accompany you ashore is a hardship on the dog. Ironically, in many countries we have visited cruiser’s dogs are in better condition than much of the local population. The dogs that do best on board are those that have been there since they were pups. Also smaller more agile dogs seem to do well, such as the Belgian barge dog, the Schipperke, terriers like the Jack Russell and Wheaton, and to my surprise. Lasa Apsos. Finally we have reluctantly concluded that dogs do not belong on boats, although many people cruise quite happily with their pets, and heaven knows we miss ours. They are not sea creatures, and so belong on the shore. People are simply too sentimental about their dogs (me included) to make an unhappy decision about the what is truly best for the animal’s welfare. If you absolutely must take your dog on board, my advice is get a cat. Life will be easier for both of you.Brian Pickton @ BeneteauOwners.netAboard the Legend, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia