Bosun the boat dog

[jellyellie]

So, my dog Bosun has been living with me on my boat for almost two years now. (I got him from a rescue, he is probably about 8 or 9 years old.)

Bosun & I have had some great times, been for lovely sails, cleared some piles of vomit off the decks, and learnt about the practicalities of living with a dog on a boat.

I have created him a Facebook Page to document all of this, and hope to share some practical tips along with insights from the adventures we get up to.

Yes, this is a shameless plug - you can follow him on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/BosunTheBoatDog

 

[chrisbitz]

Awwww, how lovely! Who wouldn't want to take their pet aboard with them.

Umm, me, cos I'm too scared of accidents, and cats are but-heads. But I'd still LOVE to.

 

[TQA]

Awwww, how lovely! Who wouldn't want to take their pet aboard with them.

Umm, me, cos I'm too scared of accidents, and cats are but-heads. But I'd still LOVE to.

Cats usually do better on boats than dogs esp. if they come on board as kittens.

Some even like strong wind sailing.

 

[Steve Clayton]

My "alta ego" has liked Bosun and posted to his page

 

[jellyellie]

TQA, that's a great photo! Is it your cat?

Steve... PG Tips Monkey by any chance?

 

[MASH]

Who wouldn't want to take their pet aboard with them.

Well, since you asked...Me!
And particularly because of those "accidents". At least you can train a cat to use a litter tray, but a dog??? I can't think of anything more revolting.

 

[prv]

And particularly because of those "accidents". At least you can train a cat to use a litter tray, but a dog??? I can't think of anything more revolting.

You can train a dog to go only in certain places, especially if you start from a young age.

Our first dog used to use a particular corner of the garden in the corner by the compost heap, for everything. The second one would pee only on the front lawn (where we don't sit etc) and never in the back garden where we do. He wouldn't **** on the property at all, but only when taken for a walk (and then only in the fields, not pavements or footpaths).

Occasionally when he was ill he'd be forced to **** in the garden, but he'd then act very apologetic. We'd have to reassure him that it was ok, we understood he was ill and couldn't help it.

Apparently the done thing for dogs on boats is a square of astroturf, with a rope attached by which you tow it astern to wash off after use.

Pete

 

[Rivers & creeks]

Well, since you asked...Me!
And particularly because of those "accidents". At least you can train a cat to use a litter tray, but a dog??? I can't think of anything more revolting.

Great fun with present dog, awful with previous who couldn't swim, fell in repeatedly, wee'd on the boat etc etc. We gave him a new home. Present dog is Rupert and we've shipped him as a pup which makes a difference, in extreme situations he can wait 20 hours between loo trips though we usually keep it to less than 8 hours, he's a good barker, loves the bowsprit and stands out at the far end, nose high in the air, little ears flapping. He's great company but now wears a harness cos he sometimes falls off the bowsprit and that could be inconvenient (for him). His favourite boaty experience is standing on the tip of the bow of my Grumman canoe - and then falling in. I can think of a number of humans who would be more revolting to have on board than Rupes.

 

[macd]

I can't think of anything more revolting.

Then you've led a very sheltered life or are deficient in imagination.

I've chatted to many boat-dog owners and mess is a rarity, mess below even more so. Incidentally you can train a cat to use a loo, never mind a litter tray. They usually have trouble with the pump, though.

 

[maby]

He's lovely! We'll have to set up a page for our ship's cat, Louis. Perhaps we can arrange a meeting with Bosun...

 

[JClarkes]

They can become so close to you when at your side all day. I have a Yorkie now who comes to work with me, but I have to admit I had a teary moment today thinking about the Westie I had at the start of the year. Still miss that wee guy

 

[TQA]

TQA, that's a great photo! Is it your cat?

Yup RNUMBA short for Random Numbers [ No brain ]

Came aboard as a 6-8 week old kitten from a rescue home. Lived onboard till he was 18, 7 years with me, crossed oceans, fell in a lot and OWNED the boat.

Great cat.