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Tuesday 9 August 2011

Canal boat dog day

I think I harbour an ambition to be a canal boat dog - like Jim and Jess and other lucky hounds I sometimes see sailing regally past as I walk the pathways.

So it was fun to go to the BIG Inland Waterways Festival which was held just a hop, a skip and a splash from my home.

As we got close to Shobnall Fields, where the festival was, there were lots and lots of boats moored along the canal through Burton-on-Trent. The Man Of The House looked off once side of the bridge - and I looked the other way so between us we didn't miss a thing.




It was a lovely hot, sunny day and inside the festival there was a fun fair, and bands playing, and lots of charity stalls and trade stands and nice food.


This boat was on the grass for people to look round. Maybe it was for people who hadn't got their sea legs yet, or those who couldn't swim.


I liked the boats that where on the water. I think I'd like a holiday on a boat one day.


These Vikings seemed to be having a rest in the arena - like I do after a walk. The Lady Of The House said they were playing dead as part of a battle re-enactment. But I think she was wrong. I think they were just snoozing in the sunshine.

Anyway, before I go can I ask a quick favour? My friend Frankie tends to jump in the water a lot when her 'dad' goes out in his canoe and her 'mum' wants to get her a dog life jacket/buoyancy aid. Although Frankie swims they'd feel safer if she had a jacket. But her 'mum's' really confused about how many different makes and types there are. If anyone has any recommendations for good websites (especially UK ones), or what to look out for they would be very grateful.

Sorry I'm not posting as often these days, but the LOTH is busy with other writing to keep me in the style to which I have rapidly grown-accustomed and she keeps hoping the computer. I am REALLY trying to visit you all as often as I can and I do post the odd quick update on my Facebook page when I can.

Thanks also to all those of you spread the word about the Nowzad Dogs fund to get Tundra out of Afghanistan to a new home in America. It worked!! Hurray!!

16 comments:

Scooter said...

Hey Winnie!
Wow, that's a lot of boats! Looks like a traffic jam on that waterway. I agree about the vikings...looks like a group snooze to me!
I bet you had a ton of fun there.
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP

Finn said...

Looks like a good time Winnie!

I have a life jacket that I wear near the water, Mum says the most important thing is to look for the weight rating. Just like with people you have to be sure the jacket can support the weight of the one wearing it. Mine is made by Outward Hound.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Great news for Tundra. Yeah!!! Looks like you had a fun day....(and I bet those guys were snoozing too or trying to get some sun). BOL

The Daily Pip said...

Hurray for Tundra! I actually don't know much about life jackets for dogs. I like the water, but my mom usually keeps a close eye/hand on me.

Your pal, Pip

Tucker The Crestie said...

Wow, what a fun day you had! Did you snarf up any dropped food from the food stalls? That's the best!

George The Lad said...

Winnie thats a great day you had, I love canels and the boats, not sure how I would be on one!!!
I think I would need a life jacket lol!! sorry I cannot help, hope your friend gets one sorted soon.
Have a good week
See Yea George xxx

Corbin said...

That sure does look like a super fun adventure! My mom researched and tried out a bunch of jackets before deciding on one. We went with the Extreme Fido Float life vest... mom liked that it had a zipper at the top, instead of velcro, and that it had comfortable netting under my belly. It fits great and I don't mind wearing. It also has two sturdy handles so mom and dad can lift me out of the water if needed.
-Corbin

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That sure looks like fun! We don't know about the life jackets because I'm afraid of the water!! We hope you find one! Lots of love, Holly & Mom

Sue said...

A lot of canal boats there. They didn't leave much room for anything to get down the middle:)

Glad you had a nice time and I hope one day you get your holiday on one.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Fantastic Festival....and best of all you were allowed to go! SHE's put canal boat trip on HER bucket list, but we know we won't be able to go.

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

houndstooth said...

I think going out on a boat would be a fantastic adventure! You are lucky to have something like that near where you live.

I think you're right. Those Vikings were obviously napping in the sunshine! Humans get crazy notions sometimes, though.

I have a life jacket, and I like several things about it. It fits very tightly, with velcro straps and buckles, it has reflective strips on it, and it has a handle on the back so my humans can lift me out of the water if they need to.

Bunny

P.S. Did you read about the NOWZAD dog posted on Life With Dogs yesterday? Poor guy! I hope he's the next one on his way home!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Hooray fur Tundra.

I LOVED that canal boat festival. I wish I could have been there with you.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Sorry we can't help with the lifejacket, we have never been any where close to being able to go in any water - wish we could though.

That is awesome news about Tundra = we are so excited about that.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Kolchak Puggle said...

Wow! What a neat festival! I wish I could go to something like that. the Mama loves boats. We can't help with any UK websites, but here is a good link about what to look for in a lifejacket:

Anonymous said...

Those canal boats are sooooo coooool! And vikings too?! What a great festival you went to! :D

On the life jacket...I got mine from REI here in the states. It's a Ruff Wear Float Coat. Perhaps there is a store in the UK that carries them. I like it because it provides 360 floatation, is comfortable, easy on and off, butt most of all because it makes swimming so much more fun! I can just enjoy myself and not worry about keeping afloat! :D Oh, and you mentioned a canoe. Well I kayak and yes I've fallen off and into the water. The handle on my float coat made it real easy for Mom to haul me back in without flipping the boat! Awesome! :D

Alyson said...

Frankies mum here. Thanks so much for all your help to chose a life jacket, I've got to try and catch Frankie now to weigh and measure her.
Kolchak Puggle please could you post the link again as it hasn't come through. Thanks