Introducing Harley D. She’s a special little dog sailing the East Coast of Australia with her mum and dad. Harley D has Cushing Disease but this doesn’t hold her back from enjoying sailing adventures. Read how Harley’s parents look after her on the boat.
Doggy Name: Harley D
Doggy Breed: Maltese
Doggy Age: 10 years old
Years Sailing: 2
Places Sailed: From Gold Coast to Cairns and now heading to Tasmania… (However long that takes us).
How does Harley D handle sailing life? At first she was stressed and out of her comfort zone, now only raises her head for treats and meal times! I should mention when we are anchoring she is the first one beside the tender waiting for it to be lowered to go ashore for a long run on the beach!
Biggest challenge: When we get stressed!
How did you overcome/manage these challenges? Still working on it. Trying to keep calm and not raise our voices to each other has helped! We keep reminding ourselves be mindful of Harley!
Most dog friendly places you’ve experienced on your travels in your local area and abroard? Bundaberg, Tin Can Bay, Great Kepple, Mackay, Townsville (Breakwater) and Cairns (Bluewater) Marina’s have been fantastic with dogs! Magnetic Island has been fantastic for pooches as well!
Any tips on international travels? Haven’t been overseas yet.
What’s the longest leg your doggy has travelled and how do you manage her energy, toileting and behaviour on these legs and keeping her safe on larger swells? Well we did Gold Coast from Cairns in 5 weeks. A hard arduous slog. We kept her energy up with trips to the beach/land whenever possible and long walks. We captured her urine and poured it onto the fake grass before we set sail and she took to it like a trooper. Pees and poos the first day! Winning! If that didn’t work my husband was going to urinate on [the mat] as we heard this works too. As for large swells we sat beside her and cuddled her and continued to reassure her it was ok and we would protect her in a calm and positive voice. She was a trooper!
Have you made any modifications on your boat to accommodate Harley D? Yes, we put safety netting to the top of our life lines all around to keep her safe and a non slip bath mat in the cockpit for her to sit on.
What advice would you like to share with others who have dogs who sail or who are considering having a dog on a boat?
Go for it! They are time consuming but well worth the effort with unconditional love and loyalty. Don’t give on the restrictions being enforced upon us by the authorities. Don’t give up on it as your dog is a part of your family and you will regret leaving them behind. The amount of cruisers we have met that regret leaving their dog behind is significant after playing with Harley and receiving kisses and cuddles from her!
3 Do’s
- Establish toilet routines and persevere until accomplished. Treats help
- Prepare for dog medical concerns…i.e diarrhoea, vomiting and sea sickness
- Carry your dogs medical history and vaccinations. And one more…
- Show them love, give them reassurance and make them a part of your daily routine.
3 Don’ts
- Don’t isolate them, they are pack animals and you are their pack. Where you go they go. If they can’t go, nor do you!
- Don’t abuse the privilege of being allowed to have your dog in a marina. Pick up after them!
- Don’t allow your stress to become theirs. They can sense something is wrong with you so if they get under your feet at an inappropriate time be nice and don’t yell at them. Reassure them it is alright!
Last thoughts (from your dogs perspective) I am your shadow, you are my pack master and I want to be beside all the time! Treats are good too!
Harley’s Medication: Harley D has been diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease which is managed with daily medication. Her parents have the medicine made up by a compounding pharmacist for pets who is happy to post the tablets to them wherever they are in Australia.
