Owners shun pets aboard

[Rich]

Doggie PFD's

So, my wife said I could have the boat as long as her dogs were allowed to sail. (Don't tell her but I wouldn't have it any other way). We have a Bernese Mountain dog and a tiny tiny mix that weighs about 4 1/2 pounds. I can find plenty of PFD's for the Berner (about 100 lbs.) but I can't find anything small enough for our little dog. Does anyone know of a good source for doggy PFD's? We may have to go with something custom.

 

[Douglas Miller]

Pet owners II

Do you sail with pets? Most of us won't take a fish or hamster out for a sail. Probably limited to dogs and cats. So the question is, if you have a dog or cat do you take them sailing? If no, I would like to know why they would be left behind. I sail with a boxer and they're not known to float too well. a doggy PFD away from the dock and he is content.

 

[Gail]

Mac loves sailing

My golden retriever puppy, all 60 pounds of him, loves to sail. Initially we zipped to the local pet store for a PFD for him. I am still more comfortable with him wearing it on the boat, just like his people. Our biggest problem is an easy way for him to board as I dont want him leaping onboard from the dock nor do I wish to carry him onboard (for obvious reasons). His favorite thing is to jump into the bay then try to coax his favorite human to carry him back on board (those back steps hurt him as much as they do me)

 

[Wes Zimmerman]

Blood on the high seas

We sail with both of our dogs on board and its always fun. They love the boat and just ride it like we do. Until labor day weekend. We were in some great wind and catching some major angle as we went along.I went below and my husky soon followed. I have a hunter 25 and the companion way is blocked by our main blocks and a rail to guide them. Well my husky got the nail on her hind foot caught in the holes on the rail. She screamed and then pulled her foot free ripping her nail out of her paw. I then had a screaming dog and a fast moving boat to manage. Blood is flying everywhere and all over the cabin and my white shirt. I grab the dog and put a paper towel around her foot. I grab some tie backs and hook them around the dogs foot to hold the towel on. It was not a preaty sight. When we got in my boat looked like i had hacked someone up on it. Blood was everywhere and i looked like preaty scary with my half white half red shirt.When all was done the dog survived fine.The Vet. asked me if i would ever take the dogs out again. I said with no hesitation, every damn time. Something about mans best friend on a windy dayWes "FINALLY"Hunter 25Georgetown MD

 

[carol donovan]

pet PFDs

Safegard should be able to help you - they make pet PFDs and we have a small one for our 7lb. cat. Phone number is 606.431.7650; URL is www.safegard.com but their site is under construction right now./cs/v Twilight