Paddler's Guide to Happy Camping

This is Kevin Callan's blog about his trips, his (mis-)adventures, and his favourite gear.

My new dog Ellie can’t swim – who knew?

Ellie wasn't happy with her first swim being in freezing water.

I came back from a trip a couple weeks ago and discovered my wife bought a dog. I guess that’s a sign I shouldn’t go a way so much. She bought a new couch while I was away on a prior trip.

I thought I’d wait a couple years, at least, before getting another dog. I still wasn’t over the death of poor Bailey, my canoe dog for fourteen years. But my wife knew better. She knew I wouldn’t last that long without a dog…or a new couch for that matter.

Ellie is five. Alana purchased her from a dog breeder who looks to sell off the mom dogs after five years of age. And she’s a Spring Spaniel – just like Bailey was. But she’s definitely not Bailey. Looking at Ellie at first was like looking at a ghost, until we took her paddling this past weekend. What a disaster. She’s a kennel dog which is better behaved, comes back on command, doesn’t bark or whine, gets into and out of the canoe without question, and doesn’t eat poop behind the campsite. But she can’t swim. What’s with that! I thought all dogs could swim. Not Ellie.

I discovered Ellie’s deficiency while lining up some rapids. Alana and Kyla (my five-year-old daughter) were walking the shore while I worked the canoe up some swift water. Ellie insisted she stay in the boat – that is until it got into the current. I yelled at her to go to shore, and like a good dog, she did. The moment Ellie stepped out of the boat, however, she sunk like a rock and I had to go in to retrieve her. Poor Ellie.

Yes, Ellie is definitely not Bailey. But it’s for the best, really. I get freaked out looking at ghosts – and trying to relive good memories can be bad for the soul.

Sunfish (November 9, 2009 at 1:29 p.m.)

Awe, poor Ellie. I heard that some small breeds and boxers don't really swim, but I would have thought too that a springer would be like a "duck to water". Eventhough I have a dog that can't get enough of swimming and the water, I bought her one of the ruffwear life jackets for canoeing. It has been one of the smartest things I have done. Not only does Bella realize that a lifejacket means canoes and boating, but it has been super handy for assiting her in and out of the canoe when encountering beaverdams and bottomless muck. It might be a good start to get Ellie used to water and swimming. If Ellie needs another doggie buddy to learn the ropes of swimming with, I am also located in Ptbo and I am sure Bella would be glad to show her the ropes.
Ellie looks adorable!

michael camp (November 10, 2009 at 9:55 a.m.)

hello kevin..remarkable story about ellie. i used a life preserver for my dog. she couldn't swim
either. she wouldn't go near water on her own at anytime. it was difficult to give her a bath too!
i am wondering if anyone you know is trying to preserve the legacy of "best island". My book
"king of best island" will be out probably in 2010 at some juncture. any information you can relay would be helpful, i have spread the word on "canadian canoe routes" with the hope
someone will start a movement toward restoration in some form...thanks again for your story
about "ellie" it was highly entertaining. respectfully yours, michael b. camp

Kevin Callan (November 10, 2009 at 1:08 p.m.)

Thanks. I'm buying her a dog pfd this weekend. Any suggestions?

About the Best Island. Have you contacted the Sup. of the park itself? He might have some input. Last I heard, they were not maintaining it.

Kevin

Kevin Callan (November 12, 2009 at 8:48 p.m.)

Just ordered a dog pfd from Salus - an Ontario company. Ellie is very excited.

Kevin

Ken Brady (November 15, 2009 at 6:20 p.m.)

Hi Kevin we were thinking of a dog after a long absence and are leaning to a springer due to the great stories and experiences you had with yours. I am sure your new one will learn to swim. Springers seem calm and obedient enough for canoeing and are a lot smaller than a lab. However I think they are supposed to like the water :-)

Keep us informed Please and lot's of luck

Ken & Shirley Brady

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