All
dogged up in their
'Large' size life jackets
The case of the vanishing background!
Here's the original photo of our lab Phoebe in her 'Large' size life jacket. This is the image you'll have seen on our publicity material - before we got to work with Photoshop and surrounded her with an intimidating sea!
On the right, half out of the photo, is Daughter No. 2 - still in her pyjamas mid-afternoon! (It was half-term though!)
Baywatch babe!
Molli, the golden retriever of Paul and Dawn Heading, wears her 'Large' size life jacket as she romps, toy in mouth, across Rustington beach near Littlehampton, West Sussex after a refreshing November dip in the English Channel. Brrrrr!!!
In the inset photo Molli stands waiting for her toy to be thrown again. And again. And again...
Molli loves the water (a little too much, according to Paul!) and ventures out a long way; she has hip problems and the life jacket gives Paul and Dawn great peace of mind.
Ming baths
Confucius he say:
"If a pun needs explaining it's a rubbish pun"
Ming, a bearded collie, has had serious pastern surgery; swimming was recommended as an effective rehabilitation routine by Ming's surgeon to owner Shelagh Needham of Ightham, near Sevenoaks in Kent.
Which is how Shelagh ended up taking these photos of Ming, wearing his 'Large' size life jacket, together with dog nannie Madaline Carter, in the hydrotherapy pool. Shelagh reports that Ming loves the exercise which is proving extremely effective.
Every year Shelagh and Mads take Shelagh's four bearded collies to Crufts - look out for them next year!
A Ghent gent!
Koenraad and Cathérine De Waele - and not forgetting daughter Sorenza of course! - of Ghent in Belgium made sure their seven year old bearded collie Aeros was wearing his 'Large' size life jacket before they left Brouwershaven, Grevelingemeer, Holland for a sailing holiday on the 29 ft sailing boat Arion29.
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Trivia Corner: In June 1969 NASA and the German Ministry for Scientific Research (BMwF) reached an agreement on a cooperative project that would orbit in the earth's upper atmosphere a German scientific satellite which was designed to investigate particle behaviour. Earlier in 1969 BMwF had named the proposed satellite 'Aeros', after the ancient Greek god of the air. |
Life's challenges (1)
Jane Forrester, of Upper Beeding in West Sussex, has two particular challenges in life.
The larger of her challenges, in a 'Large' size life jacket, is photographed above learning the 'Stay' command.
Life's challenges (2)
And here's the other of Jane's challenges, also wearing a 'Large' size life jacket.
I can (almost) hear the voice to which the disembodied hand belongs:"Leave." - pause - "Leeave!" - longer pause - "Leeeeave!!!"
Who agrees I'm chocolate?
Jane Folly of Bletsoe in Bedfordshire has kindly sent in these photos of Lucy, her 18 month old chocolate labrador, dressed for some water-based action in her 'Large' size life jacket.
So the Bristol Channel held no fears for Lucy as she romped in it (and posed alongside it) at Tenby beach in south-west Wales.(Editor's note: Ahhh, Tenby! Home of Kiln Park - a caravan site that's bigger than the town itself! Spent many childhood holidays there. Memories, memories...)
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Chocolate is produced from the seed of the tropical cacao tree. The photo alongside shows a cacao tree with fruit pods in various stages of ripening. Native to lowland, tropical South America, the seeds of the cacao tree have an intense bitter taste, and must be fermented to develop the flavour. After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted, and the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The nibs are then ground and liquified, resulting in pure chocolate in fluid form: chocolate liquor. Much of the chocolate consumed today is in the form of sweet chocolate, combining chocolate with sugar. Chocolate contains alkaloids which have physiological effects on the body; it has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain. Scientists also claim that chocolate, eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate has from time to time been promoted for its health benefits. However, the presence of theobromine renders chocolate toxic to some animals, including cats and dogs (I knew we'd get back to dogs eventually!) |
Trivia Corner:
Lip-licking fun!
Jet, the 10 year old lab-cross of Glenn Thompson from Dromore, County Down in Northern Ireland is suitably kitted out in his 'Large' size life jacket as he stands on the beautiful white sand of one of the beaches of Caherdaniel, County Kerry in the Republic of Ireland and salivates at the prospect of an (apparently) endless game of fetch-and-carry in all that lovely wet water.
I'd have loved to display Glenn's landscape in all its unadulterated glory, but I'm trying to sell dog life jackets, not holidays in Ireland!
Wrinkly when wet.
Just as wrinkly when dry!
Sumo, the 18 month old Sharpei of Richard Whiteman of Cardiff, models his 'Large' size life jacket in the comparatively dry environment of Richard's kitchen.
Sumo isn't yet familiar with the water but Richard's confident that, with the support and assistance offered by his life jacket, Sumo will be able to iron out any wrinkles in his swimming style during the summer.
Springer the Springer
Steve Wain of Doncaster sent in this photo of his 13 year old Welsh Springer spaniel, Springer (Steve's happy to admit where the inspiration for such a great name came from!) wearing his 'Large' size life jacket. Steve is expecting his big-boy's-toy (a boat) soon and promises to send more nautically-flavoured pictures of Springer when it arrives. If I counted the promises of photos I've been made...
Little and a 'Large'
Julie and Chris Potter of North Walsham, Norfolk just couldn't decide whether their lab Mitsie needed a 'Medium' or 'Large' life jacket. As Julie explained: "Mitsie is what I would say is a small dog for her breed. Her chest is 73 cm with a length of 53-55 cm. I realise that she does seem smaller than a lot of other labradors when I take her out.
"She is 3, nearly 4 so she should have stopped growing. I think that it is best for you to decide which size to go for as I know she falls on the border of sizes. Whichever size is most appropriate, I will let you decide as you have the experience with the life jackets."
"We do value and love her so much that we would never forgive ourselves if anything happened to her in the water. Mitsie loves to go swimming when we have been kayaking, but does have a tendency to keep going even when she is tired. I am sure that it's just the labrador water-loving syndrome, but hey!"
All aboard the Skylark!
Gary Fitzgerald, of Fleet in Hampshire, is photographed by wife Alyson as he checks what's behind him before navigating out into the Norfolk Broads for what transpired to be a fabulous two-week holiday.And viewing the Broad with apparent distain are Saffi and Sage in their 'Large' size life jackets.
Both dogs managed to fall in (not so distainful then, I presume!); at one stage a dangerous situation was relieved by being able to hook Sage out with a boat hook using the handle on top of the life jacket. (That's what it's there for!)
Alyson reports that a number of people thought it was quite amusing seeing dogs in life jackets, saying that the jackets aren't needed because dogs are really good swimmers. As Alyson is happy to note, yes, they are generally good swimmers - it's getting them out is the problem!
Based on their experiences on the Broads, Alyson hopes her observations will encourage other owners to ensure their dogs are appropriately guarded against the perils of water.
Meg afloat in her mega-float
Dave and Jan Kemp, of Kirkcaldy, Fife, kindly sent in these photos of their two year old yellow labrador Meg in her 'Large' size life jacket.
Meg was one year old when the Kemps fell in love with her at a rescue kennel.
Dave doesn't take Meg with him when he goes whitewater kayaking - but he's sure she's mad enough to join him if he took her!
What's it all about,
Alfie?
(And Jake!)
Before taking them on a narrowboat holiday on the Grand Union Canal, Kay and Mike Holleran of Rugby wanted to be sure of the safety of their two Irish setters - Alfie, a three year old, and Jake, seven months old - so the dogs were kitted out in our 'Large' size life jackets.
It was when they were at the Bascote staircase lock, near Long Itchington in Warwickshire, that the wisdom of Kay and Mike's forethought for their dogs' safety was revealed.
Kay takes up the story: "Many of my friends wondered why I had bought the life jackets as they felt they were a waste of money because they thought all dogs can swim.
"I was very concerned about the locks however. I was proved right as Alfie, the older of the two dogs, tried to follow a member of our party and get across the lock gate and actually fell into a 26 foot deep lock. He slipped midway and fell about 12 feet into the lock. If he had not been wearing his life jacket he would definitely have drowned.
"Thank you so much - without your life jackets I would be grieving for my beautiful dog right now."
Sleeping beauty
We're often asked how comfortable a dog will be wearing one of our jackets. Photographed above is Jess - the 20 month old Dobermann Pinscher of the Peachey family of Billericay in Essex - fast asleep all snuggled up in her 'Large' size life jacket. Could she be more comfortable?
Jess has a little more growing to do, but mostly filling out so her jacket will be coming in very useful for many years to come.
The Peacheys took a narrowboat holiday on the Grand Union Canal, leaving from Gayton Marina, Blisworth, Northampton and going "as far we could go" (that'll be a nautical term, I expect) before turning back. Jess enjoyed her new life jacket - and was very proud to wear it at any opportunity!
The photo above, taken by mum Tricia, shows Jess with daughter Lucia at the sharp end; meanwhile son James and dad Martin were at the blunt end, steering (well, doing their best anyway!).
First day fun!!!!
Just as soon as the 'Large' size life jacket they'd bought for Molly, their eight year old English bull terrier, arrived Kay and Rob Lewis of Calne in Wiltshire headed for a day of fun at Cotswold Water Park (between Cirencester and Swindon).
At it was the Lewis family's first day out in their new canoe Molly was little nervous (as were Kay and Rob) but Molly's new life jacket seemed to make her more confident.
Molly loves the water but has to date only managed vertical, rather than horizontal, swimming. The hope is that the extra buoyancy of her new jacket will encourage Molly to start moving through the water laterally!
A word of apology to Rob for almost squeezing him out of the picture completely. From one man to another, I can say that it's like so much else in life - constantly squeezed to the edges. Long-suffering souls, aren't we Rob!
Honey-tongued
Honey, the six month old golden retriever of Marie and Bob Gathercole. Photographed here in her 'Large' size life jacket, Honey thought she'd try her hand at writing her own narrative. Here's what she's supplied.
My mad parents, who live in Suffolk, decided to buy a wooden boat for their retirement and decided I must have one of these blasted jackets when I'm in the Marina and on the boat - what a wally I look!
As you can see from the first photo I'm thoroughly fed up with it, but in the second one I decided to grin and bear it - just to keep them happy (but can't help wondering why mum keeps laughing at me!!!!!). They've told me that the jacket is of excellent quality and such great value that I should be pleased they found it for me on their beloved eBay!!!!! I've got very strange parents.....but I do love them!
Happy Dog Days to all my doggy friends.
Luv
Honey xxxx
The wisdom of Solomon
Solomon is the one year old border collie of Sheila Wilson of Scunthorpe.
Wearing his 'Large' size life jacket, Solomon is photographed during the Wilsons holiday on the Fen waterways - giving everyone peace of mind, particularly on the tidal River Ouse.
The family is planning to do a lot more tidal river cruising; in Sheila's opinion, besides being a potential life-saver an Up-Buoy life jacket is a must-have fashion accessory for the canine fashionista.
3...
2... 1... hold it...
Jump!
Vinnie is the 10 year old staffordshire bull terrier of Alison Madeley of Accrington in Lancashire.
Alison reports that Vinnie thinks he's a fish and would rather swim than walk! He's pictured on a recent holiday on the Norfolk Broads, just about resisting the impulse to jump off the boat and christen his new 'Large' size life jacket!
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Trivia Corner: The original town football team, Accrington F.C., were amongst the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888, before resigning from the league after just five years. A team called Stanley Villa already existed at the time, named as such because they were based at the Stanley Arms on Stanley Street in Accrington. With the demise of Accrington FC, Stanley Villa took the town name to become Accrington Stanley. With the formation of the old Third Division North, along with the other top Northern non-League clubs the club re-entered the Football League in 1921. In four decades of league football they never achieved promotion from the Third Division, resigning from the recently-formed Division Four in March 1962. |
Three dog day
Justin Smith of Summertown, near Oxford, kitted out his dogs with 'Large' size life jackets. In the photo above Kali, a Rhodesian Ridgeback who hates the water with a passion, poses like a professional.
On the right Orrin takes a breather after swimming for almost a mile alongside Justin's canoe and, below, Aslan asks Justin when it will be his turn!
Modo italiano
Antonio Mantovano, of Napoli (Naples), Italy - call in at his bookshop any time you're passing - was kind enough to supply not only photos of his golden retriever, Carlotta, in her 'Large' size life jacket but also some narrative. In Italian.
Ho cercato per molto tempo un buon giubbotto di salvataggio per il mio cane ma quelli che ho trovato qui in Italia non erano sufficientemente buoni. Alcuni erano di materiale scadente, altri non avevano le chinghi sotto la panacia, altri soffocavano il cane in acqua. Insomma, dopo più di un mese di ricerche, finalmente ho trovato il migliore!!
I have tried in order much time a good life jacket for my dog but those that I have found here in Italy were not sufficiently good. Some were of poor material, others did not have the chinghi under the panacia, other soffocavano the dog in water. Insomma, after more than a month than searches, finally I have found the best one!!
I don't know about you, but for me Antonio's original reads better!
By George, he's got it!
These photos of George, a three and a half year old boxer shown wearing his 'Large' size Christmas present, were kindly sent in by customer Kaz Traverso of Surrey Quays in London.
George is owned by Kaz's girlfriend's parents, Dave and Sue of Reading.I've been trying to work out the title of the magazine lying on the coffee table just behind George; Could it be 'Heat'? (geddit?)
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Trivia Corner: 'Surrey Quays' is the name of a largely residential area of Rotherhithe in south-east London, occupied until 1970 by the Surrey Commercial Docks. After their closure, over 90% of the docks were filled in. The only surviving areas of open water were Greenland Dock, South Dock, remnants of Canada Dock (renamed Canada Water) and Norway Dock, and a basin renamed Surrey Water. A massive building programme took place in the area during the late 1980s and early 1990s with 5,500 new homes being built, ranging from individual detached housing to large apartment complexes, such as Baltic Quay. South Dock was converted into a marina - now the largest in London - and a watersports centre was constructed on Greenland Dock. The northern part of Canada Water and the infilled Russia Dock became wildlife reserves. |
No close shaves for this Brazilian!
Cati and Selan Valadão live with their two year old labrador Loki near the beach in Natal, in the north-east of Brazil.
With the sun shining all year around (dream on, UK-dwellers!) trips to the beach are frequent. Loki really loves swimming, especially when fetching one of his toys thrown far away in the water.
Now Loki, photographed in the Atlantic Ocean, wears his 'Large' size life jacket every time they all go swimming.
Mama's Mia!
Five-year old Mia from Newport popped in with her mama and dada to the buy1or2.com stand at the South Wales Boat Show to get her two-and-a-half year old rottie Amber kitted out with a 'Large' size life jacket.
You learn something every day!
"Wish you were here"
Paul and Maggie, of Swineshead, near Boston in Lincolnshire took Meg, their five-and-a-half year old labrador, for a week's holiday by the sea.
Meg absolutely adores swimming but was recently diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. As a consequence she now has weekly hydrotherapy sessions in a heated pool and wearing a life jacket, which - together with the upcoming holiday - led Paul to buying Meg her 'Large' size life jacket.
In the photo on the left Meg pleads with Maggie to throw her toy just once more.
The other photo shows Paul frolicking on the beach with Meg in typically balmy mid-November Lincolnshire weather, as the North Sea gently laps the shore. (Use your imagination!)
Paul reports that Meg "adores her high quality well fitting jacket and was able to swim every day with one exception because it was too rough, sadly the same day that a young grey seal was watching her and would probably have had a good play!".
On the 'Large' side of the Border
Kep is a six-year old border collie - and certainly among the bigger border collies we've fitted with a life jacket. Kep popped in to the buy1or2.com stand at the Beale Park Boat Show where he posed for long enough to be snapped in his new 'Large' size life jacket.
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Border collie Shep (1971-1987) was the most famous of the series of pets featured on the long-running UK children's TV programme 'Blue Peter', and is most remembered by viewers as inseparable from Blue Peter presenter John Noakes. Shep was excitable, and Noakes would often have to restrain him. Noakes' frequently-heard admonishment, "Get Down Shep!", became a national catchphrase. When Noakes left the BBC in 1980 the BBC offered Shep to Noakes as a gift, with the proviso that Shep couldn't be used for advertising or commercial purposes. Noakes didn't agree to this, and as a result didn't get Shep. Not long after leaving, Noakes appeared in a series of TV ads for dog food, with a similar-looking dog similarly-named 'Skip', further souring the already-strained relationship between Noakes and the BBC. |
Trivia Corner:
Ruby - Sharon's treasure
Sharon Goddard of Romford was kind enough to send us this pic and text:"Here's Ruby, my treasured cross collie/cross bitza/cross Heinz57 proudly wearing her new 'Large' life jacket for our forthcoming trip on a narrowboat. The jacket's a necessity as Duncan Goodhew she aint!!! It also puts my mind at rest enormously. Thanks for providing such a prompt, friendly service".
Ruby is approximately nine years old - she was estimated at being 'about two' when Sharon had her as a rescue dog. Sharon says that: "She's one of those dogs that looks older than her years, but I often tell her that maturity can be a mighty attractive quality in a female!!" Women who are themselves of a certain age often say that!
Speed freak
Anchored off Hurst Castle, Keyhaven, Hampshire, the Stewart family (Ian, Barbara, Anthony and David) of Steventon, near Basingstoke prepare to wash down Harvey, David's two year old golden labrador.
Harvey sits wearing not only his 'Large' size life jacket but also a coating of Keyhaven mud from an earlier expedition ashore as he waits for David to finish swabbing the decks. Although a teenager, David takes his duties seriously - up early every morning to walk Harvey before school. (Could do with one like that in our house! Ed.)
Harvey has a need for speed - he's always the first into the boat or car, but also capable of high speed under his own steam.
As you can see, the jacket allows Harvey to sit comfortably and, Ian reports, causes no restriction to movement.
Additionally, Ian has found that the jacket provides body protection for Harvey in the boat which can 'slam' against the water at speed.
Making a splash in the Med
Eugenio Berlini moors his sailboat in Rimini on the eastern Italian coast. He often dives into the Mediterranean for a bit of fun with Neda, his 18-months old labrador cross.
Mystery lab
At the Inland Waterways Association's 2008 National Festival and Boat Show in Wolverhampton this lab appeared and was fitted with a 'Large' size life jacket.
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