Pets On Board
Photos courtesy of Jeff Dennis.
By Jeff Dennis
Anyone might hesitate when taking pets out for a boat ride, but for those who plan their everyday life on the water, having pets on board is a no-brainer. Dogs at marinas are becoming common. What pooch doesn’t like to feel the air rushing past their snout while cruising on the water?
Tony LaRocca of Summerville, South Carolina, is a recent retiree who has always enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time on the water. His idea of how to spend the long days of retirement bliss included careful planning about the boat so it would accommodate a dog.
Top Above: Bonnie and Dallas in the wheelhouse of the Daniel Island Ferry.
Bottom image: Tali and Tony on the bow of the La Roc sailboat.
“I bought a CHM Island Packet 27 sailboat and named it La Roc,” said LaRocca. “I got my German Shepherd named Tali in January 2022 and she is now 3 years old. What began as cautious walks down the docks and lessons getting in and out of the dinghy, have changed over to happiness when we hit the dock plus total command navigating every inch of the boat.”
“Having a social and friendly demeanor is a must for an onboard pet,” said LaRocca. “I can’t walk her on the dock without her stopping to greet everyone. My German Shepherd has a slender build, but she still sheds fur like crazy, so having the best compact vacuum possible is also a must. I added netting to the lifelines railing that leads to the bow, just to give Tali some added security, too. And I chose the sailboat because it has ample room in the cabin and has a lower freeboard which makes for ease of transfer to the dinghy.”
“We spend as much time each week as we can either at the marina or on the water, and every day is training Tali to be ready for our trip to the Dry Tortugas after Hurricane season tapers off,” said LaRocca. “I can store enough food for two weeks and can keep the cabin climate-controlled for Tali, and we plan to anchor out most of the trip, coming to shore only when we need provisions or have other business.” LaRocca is also a Coast Guard veteran who keeps a rod and reel handy in case an impromptu seafood dinner presents itself while traveling.
Dallas Baker is the Captain of the Daniel Island Ferry in Charleston with his 3-year-old First Mate, Bonnie. Baker navigates the 45-foot Corinthian cruising catamaran between Charleston Waterfront Park and the Daniel Island Marina. Bonnie is all about riding along on work days. “At home, she’s cute and cuddly, but when she is clocked in on the boat, she is in the business of greeting folks. I tell them that she is a Salty Dog. She is always looking for birds while we are underway, and sometimes, she spots minks on the docks. The only time Bonnie won’t come along with me is when the Dog Days of Summer make it too hot for her.”
