A lot of people ask us about the dogs, how they are doing and what do they do all day.

They pretty much do the same thing as they did when they were landlubbers: lay around sleeping and waiting for something to happen. Like a dog walk.

They take a walk three times a day. Sometimes its a lovely harbor walk in a historic lakefront community and sometimes its in a small weedy patch next to the fish cleaning station. Either way they are happy to do their business and set about finding all the new smells in their environment. Honu tries to play Follow the Leader.

They wear their Ruff Wear Float Coats at all times when they are above deck. They don't mind wearing their PFDs at all and when we get out them out, the dogs put their heads right in and wait for us to snap them in. We have plucked each out of the water on occasion by grabbing the Float Coat handle and hauling them to safety.

On Big Frisky we have taken extra safety precautions and have a salmon net for greater reach. We hope not to have to use it, but if we do it is mounted on the stern pulpit for easy access.

We have also added non slip safety treads on the companionway stairs and along the cockpit coaming to give the dogs a better grip while climbing out on the side decks or going up and down the companionway. This is a plus for Chico who loves to patrol the decks and out on the bow, following his natural Rat Terrier instincts and keeping an eye out for vermin. He occasionally chases off a sea gull.

More than anything, they just like to hang out with their people, whether they are sailing with the wind in their faces or lounging below decks, resting up for their next adventure.