Whatever Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger? It's True For Abby!

Since she was a puppy, Abby's been trained for being on the boat. When she was being housebroken, we did the same on the boat. It was okay to pee on the deck, but not down below in the living quarters. She learned pretty quick.

At the same time, we had to teach her to go up and down the ladder to the inside of the boat. This is not merely stairs, it is a ladder. We go down it just like any other ladder, facing the steps. Therefore, this was not an easy task to teach a dog.

However, it was amazing when Abby finally caught on. We figured if she doesn't break anything then she will only get stronger making it easier as she ages.

You would think climbing up would be easier than going down the steps. Nope. She climbs down the first 2 or 3 steps then jumps the rest of the way. However, going up is tougher since it is so steep. Not many dogs can climb a ladder.

Abby got it though! With a bit of coaxing and treats, she figured how to maneuver these steps. She hooks her front paws over the step, like grasping if she had thumbs, then lifts her back legs up. And she's fast too! If I don't hurry up, Abby's all jammed up behind me trying to get up. Same with going down. I forget sometimes and don't let her down first. Then she's pushing me to get down.

Well, I do hope she can manage this for years to come. If she has trouble as she ages we can use the steps leading to the state room. We put them away since they take up too much room, but they are perfect for the older dog, or the aging human too!

No Dogs Allowed On Beach?

When I first overheard that there were no dogs allowed on beach after we got to St. Pete, I was so very sad! Sure, I got to swim in an awesome cement pond this last summer and swim in the surf on the Outer Banks, but we’re in Florida now and beaches are everywhere!

We got in the car one time and drove, and drove and drove…and I got to hang out the window and stuff. Then we were slowing down and I just knew we were going to a park. Woohoo!

Another dog park!

So we drove and drove again after I got to say hello to the gate keeper and finally parked. I could see the fence and the other dogs! Yay! There were other dogs (sometimes there isn’t anybody to play with) running and playing in the dog park!

We got out and I was trying so hard to obey and heel, but I get so excited knowing I will soon have new friends to play with. But we didn’t go to the first gate. I guess mom knew of a back gate so I just kept trotting along the fence as good as I could..

At first I was confused because mom wouldn’t turn the right way to go into the park, but I was being a good girl to heel up nicely and then…there it was! Could it be? Was she going to take me on the beach?? But it’s not allowed!

We walked down the sand to the beach and mom made me sit, like she always does (I don’t like this) and took off my leash. Then I had to wait like an hour…she kept saying stay, stay…I was, already! Finally, mom said, “Go ahead!” I ran as fast as I could to get to the water and jumped right in after the Frisbee mom threw!!

When I got out, I looked around and there were ALL kinds of dogs…EVERYWHERE!! Later, mom said this is the only beach close by that is JUST for dogs. This is awesome! Boy this was fun! I guess mom and poppi were wrong…dogs ARE allowed on the beach!

Fort De Soto has the only dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach in a designated area. There are also 2 fenced in areas near the beach for large and small dogs with water stations - view dog park- (beach entrance is at the far southwest corner of dog park, not shown)

Home In Pasdena Marina

I can't believe it! We finally made it to my favorite home...Pasdena Marina! I never thought we would come back and here we are. I just couldn't stop crying with excitement as I just knew poppi would be here too!

My mommy and I have been traveling forever...had to have been a year at least, but she swears it's only been a week! I don't care though, we are home now and poppi must be here.

When I finally got let out of the car a ran for the boat...but where was it? It should be here. Poppi should be waiting. Mommy keeps saying he's not here, but surely I am not looking in the right place. No. This is it. Where is poppi?

Okay, I will be patient a bit longer 'cause mommy says he will be here and she is never wrong! Oh, but this is so hard...the waiting.

This is the best place of all...there are city streets to walk on, cafes that let me sit outside with the parental units, boats everywhere, beaches, dog parks...OMG! St. Petersburg and the S. Pasadena town we live in is home for sure. I just hope we don't ever leave again!

Poppi? Are you here?