All Paws on deck

Boat/US Magazine, Sept, 2007

Since the BoatU.S. Foundation Life Jacket Loaner program has been such a resounding success, why not a potentially life-saving service for our furry friends?

An enterprising dog lover in the Pacific Northwest has started a life jacket loaner program for four-legged cruisers. Operation Safe Dog, founded by online pet goods purveyor, Nancy P. Dale, of FourPawsOnly.org, is providing marinas along the Columbia and Willamette Rivers with canine life jackets to lend out free of charge, for 24 to 48 hours.

The program uses Paws Aboard brand life jackets, which are neon yellow, with reflective striping and a handle for lifting smaller dogs directly onto the boat. The program began with four participating marinas including BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas Rocky Pointe Marina and Donaldson's Marina. Three more are expected to be added soon. The goal of the program is to curtail by half the number of dogs lost each boating season. (Now what about the cats?)