Protection VS Hassel -- Cruising Dogs?

[schoonerdog]

So once upon a time we cruised with our 50 pound German Shepard Chow mix mutt. We were young, we had no kids, we pampered the dog, and frankly it went fine.

Now we have a bigger boat, a child, and bigger cruising plans forthcoming. Our dog is still with is, but we're fairly sure he won't be once we leave again.

Soooooo... do we cast off without a dog or bring another mutt with us?

Now that I am a mother to a human baby, my views on caring for the dog have changed a bunch. What seemed charming and doable BEFORE --
now is a major pain when it comes to the dog's needs. Frankly I have sworn several times that we are not going to cruise with a dog again and that our next family pet would be a pet rock. Or maybe a hermit crab.

That said ---- there is an AMAZING sense of security that goes with having a toothy 50 pound Shepard mix on your boat. Nobody and I mean NOBODY gets near our place when we're not aboard... even if they know us and the dog. He's pretty good even when we are aboard if someone strange comes around.

That's a nice piece of insurance in sketchy ports.

So what do you all think -- is the hassel worth the protection?





p.s. This is Schoonerdog's wife using his logon to post a message...

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by schoonerdog

... Now that I am a mother to a human baby, my views on caring for the dog have changed a bunch. What seemed charming and doable BEFORE -- now is a major pain when it comes to the dog's needs. Frankly I have sworn several times that we are not going to cruise with a dog again and that our next family pet would be a pet rock.
... there is an AMAZING sense of security that goes with having a toothy 50 pound Shepard mix on your boat.
... So what do you all think -- is the hassel worth the protection?

There are so many hassles that pet owners must contend with when cruising, that I couldn’t recommend bringing a dog aboard for security.
Nor would I try to dissuade a pet owner from bringing their dog aboard for emotional reasons.
If you must cruise with a dog (and a mate & child), accept any real or perceived security as an unaccounted side benefit.

On balance, I’d recommend the pet rock.
BTW: They provide more "warm & fuzzies" when kept in a sock (which also works well as a sap or sling).

[Sunspot Baby]

You've already cruised with a dog, so you know the hassle.

Unless you just are not comfortable without your four legged friend, cruise without a dog.

We met a boat with a dog that seemed very protective of the boat. Funny thing though, when the owners weren’t aboard, he welcomed all comers. Seems he was protecting the owners, not the boat.

We cruise with a dog but often wish we didn’t. I posted a long article on our web site (which I have linked in other threads) that many people have commented on favorably. You might find it a good read about cruising with a dog. http://www.stateham.com/sunspotbaby/A_Serious_Look.htm

George