We’ve just returned to the marina after a week of exploring more of the diverse destinations that surround us here in the Chesapeake Bay. Roxie and Chance have had the opportunity to get their feet wetter in regards to being sailors, and I have more to share on the subject of doggies on deck.

Companionway steps on a boat are notoriously dangerous. Whoever designed them obviously didn’t have dogs. They also obviously didn’t drink. Steep, narrow and sometimes slick, I’ve had my share of ass-bashes descending to the cabin. Add carrying a dog, and you have a recipe for potential disaster. But carry I must, because Roxie has not once but thrice impressed us with her acrobatics by tumbling, head first, down all 5 steps in a half- second flat. We are now diligent about closing the door behind us.

Dinghy-dancing is another skill that took some time to master. Initially, the dogs were terrified of the big rubber raft bouncing precariously behind the boat. Only after they realized that the dink was their link to terra firma did they agree to climb aboard.

This is where life jackets with handles come in handy. Chance, at 10 lbs, is light enough to lift right in, but Roxie, at 28lbs, is a bit trickier. She squirms like a worm on a hook, making it impossible to balance yourself while holding her steady. We now attach her leash to her life jacket and give a steady pull while enticing her with a treat. Clumsy she is, but she has yet to fall into the Bay. Once aboard, she claims her spot on the bow seat and scouts the way to shore.

Which now takes us to this business of the bathroom. I am going to admit right up front that we have NOT conquered that one, yet, but not for lack of trying. We purchased a Potty Patch  “as seen on TV”-which makes it look revoltingly simple, but our dogs have neither the training nor the desire to eliminate on a postage-stamp sized square of fake grass.

I even brought a live potted plant onto the cockpit, where it promptly fell over, broke and spilled dirt all over our freshly cleaned boat.

I’ve begged, I’ve pleaded, I’ve tried reasoning with them, but Chance and Roxie know that if they hold it in long enough, Mommy’s gonna cave and take them ashore. Unfortunately, once we start cruising offshore, this won’t be an option, but the vet says dogs can hold it for 36 hours without problems.

36 HOURS!!! 

Can you imagine???? My eyeballs would be floating! As for the other...  I read somewhere that if you insert a matchstick partway into their….Oh Stop—I’m not even going to go there!

Guess we’ll have to wait and see. Meanwhile, I’ll continue trying to bribe them. I never thought I’d welcome the day my dogs took a dump on deck.

 

There is plenty more to come, but for now I’ll say just say Over and Out.