supply. Acollapsible nylon water dish takes up almost no space, and can double as a food dish. It is a romantic notion to sleep with your dog in a
tent, but a salty sea-dog that has rolled in the unidenti- fied carcass washed up on the beach will likely not be welcome with the humans, no matter what manner of West Coast deluge is happening outside. Therefore it’s a good idea to bring a tent with a generous vestibule for the stinky hound.
W
e chose our ultimate paddling pooch carefully, and spent months working with her to ensure that she
could be a part of the low-impact travelling we enjoy. Since then, we have met other guides who actually
take their pets to work! One friend has taken his dog, Honey, with him while he guides multi-day kayak trips in
Nootka Sound on Northern Vancouver Island, and anoth- er friend’s dog, Chewy, gets to river-raft the Elk, St. Mary’s, and Bull Rivers all summer with him. We have even had a blind guest bring his seeing-eye-dog on a two- week guided trip to Ellesmere Island! We learned that with a little preparation, and a lot of
training, you can share your adventures with your dog, and hopefully never again have to see a pair of sad eyes watch you from a kennel window as you head out on another grand adventure without them.
Itinerant guide, biologist and frequent Adventure Kayak contributor Dave Quinn lives in Kimberley, B.C. with Kelly Comishin and Lucia the salty dog. Dave and Kelly operate Treehouse Outdoor Education, specializing in adventure and wilderness therapy.
GEAR HOUND Only the best for your best friend
Dogs are inherently good swimmers—they even have a popular stroke named after them. But if you are putting your dog in any situation where the “doggy paddle” may be inadequate—whitewater or surf for example—it is your responsibility to set your hairy friend up with the best flotation money can buy. There are a few critical details to look for in any flotation device for your dog: a secure method of attachment, proper buoyancy distribution, and a handle. The need for a handle becomes apparent when one tries to help a terrified terrier or neurotic Newfoundlander back aboard a semi-swamped kayak!
1 NRS Canine Flotation Device
(C.F.D.) The C.F.D. is a simple design incorporating all the critical elements of a good flotation aid for hounds. The shell is 1,000-denier Cordura nylon. The handle could be bigger for easier grip, but it does have a small zippered Milk- Bone pocket. Reflective bands and a Duraflex leash point are added safety features. Sizes XS to XL. $60 Cdn, $40 US.
www.nrsweb.com.
2 Lotus Designs Critter True to all Lotus Designs products, this is a simple,
bombproof aid to four-legged flotation. Heavy-duty “bal- listics cloth” construction, a large webbing handle, reflec- tive tapes, a leash D-ring, and ample, well-distributed flotation make this an effective, ergonomic buoyancy aid. Sizes XS to XL. Available in three colours. $110 Cdn, $65 US.
www.lotusdesigns.com.
3 Ruff Wear K-9 Float Coat The K-9 Float Coat was designed by a company that spe-
cializes in outdoor gear just for dogs, and it shows. The Float Coat’s ergonomic simplicity is matched only by its rugged construction. Complete with a hidden D-ring attachment, assistance handle, bright reflective trim,
buoyancy cells of varied thickness, and tough 1,680- denier ballistics nylon construction, the K-9 Float Coat is one bomber doggy life jacket. Seven sizes from XXS (Chihuahua) to XL (Newfoundlander) offer the best range of custom fits—a factor critical for effective buoy- ancy. Available in three colours. Prices range from $59.95 Cdn ($49.95 US) to $109.95 Cdn ($69.95 US) depending on size. The only Canadian Ruff Wear Dealer is the Three Dog Bakery in Vancouver. You can also order Ruff Wear products at 1-888-433-3647 or
www.ruffwear.com.
4 Salus Skippy Dog Vest
What puts Skippy ahead of the pack is the foam zone—i.e., the back of the coat is all mesh and foam wraps the belly, chest and sides instead. Doggy floats higher and when lifted his weight is distributed across the padding—nowhere do straps touch fur. Three-clip attachment with matching buckle adjustments on the opposite side for a centred fit and even expansion in case Dog chows too many sea biscuits and beefs up. One open-top side mesh pocket. Two handles for heaving waterlogged heavies. Canadian-made. Red or blue. Five sizes. $69 to $79 Cdn.
www.salusmarine.com.
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