Capt. JG wrote:
"Rosalie B." wrote in message
...
Justin C wrote:

This talk of dogs on boats, I get visions of a sea-sick labrador, and a
worried owner wondering how they're going to re-hydrate a dog that
doesn't want a drink, doesn't want anything... except dry land!

Justin.
That's really silly. As were most of the answers to this perfectly
reasonable question.

There are some dogs that get motion sick, just like there are people
that get motion sick. Those dogs will probably also get carsick -
have not had the experience so cannot say. Some cats get motion sick
too and/or don't like the boat engine.

Labs are among the dogs that I would not expect to get seasick based
on how much they love the water. I've seen all kinds of dogs on all
kinds of boats. Jack Russell terriers, shepherds, beagles, mutts,
Golden Retrievers, and poodles. I also know people who cruise with
birds or with cats.

The biggest problem with the big dogs though is how to get them
ashore.

I would think the biggest problem would be to be able to carry enough food
for them on an extended cruise. My lab could go through 50 lbs. of kibble in
a couple of weeks. :-)

Thanks everyone for the replies. We didn't take the dog on the weekend
cruise last weekend, but we will try, I think, on the next one. I have a
Sportcat that we haven't been using because it's too heavy to put on and
pull off the dock platform all the time, but I'm reconsidering that for
the sake of the dog. That boat is as solid as a rock. I think we'll try
the piece of astroturf trick, put it down in the cockpit then douse it
in the water and wash down the cockpit with a bucket of water too, if he
manages to use it. If not we can throw out the anchor and take him ashore.

If we decide to take him, I'll get one of those PFDs or just a harness
to lift him with. I think I can lift him if I'm up on deck. If not I'll
use the topping lift or a halyard. I can't imagine him being able to
climb up the transom ladder, but I'll sure let him try.

Hadn't though of his water dish sloshing around. I've been wanting to
hook up a hose bib to the water system and this gives me the perfect excuse!

Stephen