We are nuts but we got a puppy friend for our dog Libby... This little guy's name is Louie!

Not sailing related but I gave myself permission to break the rules..

What nobody loves dogs here? I say congrats!!



(But then I prefer dogs to many people I meet.)

Oh!
It's a DOG?!
I mean, OF COURSE it's a dog...

Haha

Believe me.. that's what I thought when my wife said she wanted a little dog. I tell you what though.. these dogs are just as fun as a big dog, but don't shed... don't knock anything over... don't chew anything other than their toys.. and are much easier to keep control of.

But yes... I still look like a sally when I take them for a walk.

Just what you need, Chris!!!!! They are a lot of fun and I wouldn't trade my little fur ball for anything, but man can they steal the time. Here's my brave protector relaxing on a sail (her name is "Sailor," btw). Congrats.

What kind of pup is that?

Our older one, Libby, is a Shih-Tzu/Poodle mix, and our new pup, Louie, is a Bichon.

My dog Pixel is a border collie jack russel american eskimo mix and she is not crazy about sailing AT ALL.

She thinks it's boring because there is no running involved.

There's just not that much space to throw a tennis ball around on a boat.

Sailor is a fairly large cockapoo, about 30 pounds. Loves riding in the dinghy and acts very brave on the boat until we start heeling, then she's a nervous wreck and wants to get back inside the harbor ASAP.

Well, I must admit that I've toyed for a few years about taking my chocolate Labrador Retriever sailing... but!

One, I keep thinking about those really large TALONS he has on him and, no matter how close I clip them, that's still potential problems with the gel coat, what with his weight.
Two, I'd worry about him jumping overboard, as the dog lives up to his breeding, and will jump into water in an instant (assuming it's not for a bath, when all bets are off, LOL!).
Third, is injury to him. If things get a little rough, I can see him at that large of a size, getting injured.

I've got him down to probably 75-80 pounds, but that's a lot of weight to bear on his... ankles?... if he's slipping, slamming about in rough seas and looses his footing.

I do see where it'd be nice to have him along were he smaller, 15-20 pounds or so, and not 'commandeering' most of the cockpit, getting underfoot, etc.

And I can't shake this feeling that he'd constantly be trying to sneak up to the bow.

Chris we also have a bichon named Mangler. I like the smaller dogs alot. He goes sailing with us but spends most time sleeping below deck.