Dog Aboard

Robert Krause shared a photo of his cute Australian Shepherd, Bingo. Even though Bingo is young, he really hit the jackpot with his newfound boating lifestyle.

Gracie, an Australian shepherd, has been featured in The Log before – and it’s no wonder because her owner Dawn Weaver says she’s a big-time boating fan. “She loves being on the water in any type of watercraft,” says Weaver.

Molly and Adam look out from Cheoy Lee, a 55-foot long-range cruiser, in Sausalito, California. These two pups love to watch out for guests who approach the boat. Owner Doug Litwin says, “They [Molly and Adam] are both rescues and get along terrifically well.”

Here’s Taz, pictured with his owner, enjoying the beautiful, sunny California boating life. Nicknamed “The Wonder Dog,” Taz has an affinity for the water.

Emiko Kelly submitted this photo of her dog Sammy. For his first time, Sammy rode on a boat!

Chad French and family recently moved onto a sailboat in National City with their great dane, Quincy. Quincy’s quickly learning the ropes of liveaboard life and seems to be quite accustomed since the last time she was featured in the Dog Aboard section. Visit Quincy’s official Instagram @LiveFree2SailFastBoatDog.

Owner, Ronda Cross, submitted this photo of her furry friends, Jazmin and Jade, loving their time on the open water. “Jazmin and Jade enjoying the passersby on the Cross’ Seabiscuit in Newport Harbor,” says Cross.

These two “fur angels,” Hank and Kala, enjoy evening cruises on their Duffy boat in Newport Harbor. Hank is an Aussie-German shepherd mix, while Kala is a golden retriever.

Owner Lisa Pickett really lucked out with her sea hound, Lucky. “Our dog Lucky is at the helm in Newport Beach,” she says. “He may not really be able to be the helmsman, but he is definitely in charge.”

Sampson, a terrier mix, was rescued by his owner Chris Johnsen in October 2010. Little did Johnsen know Sampson would become such a passionate boater: “We rescued him in October 2010, and he loves to go sailing,” says Johnson. “Our boat is a 40-foot sloop, designed by the late boat designer Doug Peterson San Diego.”

As any experienced boater knows, it’s always important to keep safety in mind. That’s exactly why James, a poodle-mix, is sure to suit up in his personal floatation device (PFD) before he hits the water. “James loves to go sailing,” says owner Benjamin Schick. “When the wind picks up around Marina Del Rey, he’s in his PFD.”

“You know it’s time for a dinghy ride when the weather is beautiful and your dog beats you into the boat!” says Kona’s owner, Brandon Post. An eight-year-old ridgeback-German-shepherd mix, Kona loves spending her days aboard the T/T Restless in Huntington Harbour.

While retired Long Beach harbormaster Joe Pitisi captains the vessel Happiness is …, his 4-month-old golden retriever puppy, Rooster, has other plans. “He [Rooster] thinks it’s time to take the helm from the captain,” says Pitisi.

Captain Benford mans the wheel of his 1961 14-foot Glasspar. A local company when it began, Bill Tritt started building Glasspar boats with fiberglass hulls in 1947 in Costa Mesa. Eventually, the company was sold to Larson Boat Works. Vintage Glasspar boats are favorites with many boaters!

Cali, a 3-year-old Shih Tzu and poodle rescue from Arizona, loves to sail aboard with her owner Paul Newman. “Being adopted within weeks of our 2009 Carver 47 MY arriving from Florida, naming her became obvious,” says Newman. “She thinks she is the captain, however, rarely barks out orders.” Newman also comments Cali is a great car companion, calmly making the six-hour trip to set sail.

Tuna the Boating Bulldog has traveled more than 8,000 nautical miles, not including his countless adventures kayaking and paddleboarding. His owner, Kipp Ots, says “He absolutely loves any water activity and we can no longer say the ‘F’ word (Fish) without him going completely bonkers. He often wears himself out to the point of exhaustion, finding the most peculiar places to nap, making for some funny photos.”

Kona, an 8-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback and German shepherd mix, spends a day out with her owner Brandon Post on one of their frequent boating trips in Huntington Harbour. Post says, “[That day] we came across a whale cruising the harbor and helped him find his way out to sea!” An islander, Kona resides in Avalon when she’s not exploring the ocean.

Pictured here, Malaika Grace, a 10-and-a-half-year-old American Hairless Terrier, explores beautiful Newport Harbor aboard her Harbor 20. Her owner, Debra Haynes, says, “She is my heart and soul. Since I am allergic to dogs with fur or hair, I have her because she is a hairless breed. She is a good girl and a great sailor!”

One of the perks of California is that the weather can be summer-like in the month of February. Here Brandy, a 12-year-old golden retriever, enjoys the sunshine aboard Knot On Call while visiting Avalon on Catalina Island.

Turbo, pictured on his boat navigating San Diego Harbor, loves to chase and bark at seals. His owner, Kerry deAvila, swears Turbo believes they are dog mermaids!

Benny lives aboard a 43-foot Bayliner with his family, James and Laura, on the San Joaquin River. One of his favorite activities is kayaking on the vast, wide open river Benny calls his backyard. A stickler for safety, Benny always wears his life vest on a kayaking adventure!

A five-year-old French bulldog, Titus loves to take excursions on his owner’s 1981 Catalina 27 in the San Pedro Channel, and always takes necessary safety measures and precautions including wearing a safety jacket. According to owner, Mitch Manker, Titus believes it’s his own boat. Manker says, “At the dock he [Titus] periodically does ‘rounds’ to make sure everything is ship-shape from stem to stern.”

Trixie enjoys all SoCal boating life has to offer – including sun, fun and the ocean breeze blowing in her fur – aboard her favorite skiff, Mischief Managed.

LouSea, a Bichon Frisee, recovers from a long day at sea by taking a nap on the deck.