When Jim Foster, from Coon Rapids, Minn., and his wife and dog went boating across Island Lake during the July 4th holiday weekend earlier this summer, the trip started out like hundreds of other similar outings he had taken during the preceding four decades growing up in the area. Unfortunately, even the most experienced and safety-conscious boaters can have the kinds of trouble on the water that took his wife’s life that night.
During the fatal incident, Rosie, a yellow Lab, fell overboard, but she was able to swim more than a mile to shore and safety. Rosie was wearing a life jacket at the time, as reported by DuluthNewsTribune.com. The tragedy of this incident can never be diminished, but at least Rosie is able to offer comfort and companionship during this time of grieving. And boaters inspired by Rosie’s story may help save lives in the future.
Life jackets for dogs, and other pets, are one of the most popular, and best selling, accessories in the pet market today. They can save the life of a beloved member of the family, as they are designed to keep your pet safe in and around the water. Available in many different styles and materials,
most dog life jackets are designed to keep
the animal floating horizontally to the surface,
to facilitate swimming, rather than trying to position the head highest above the water. They can provide protection against hypothermia, as well as scratches and abrasions.
Some pet life jacket styles place the floatation device under the animal's belly, while others place it above the back or entirely around the body. They are
designed not to hinder swimming motions. Most are available in bright colors for easy visibility in the water.
While most dogs can swim, there are some breeds, such as Labradors like Rosie, with low bodyfat, that do not take well to extended stays in the water. Additionally,
any dog can drown due to rough water conditions, loss of body heat, or just from tiring. A life jacket can keep the dog afloat, conserving energy for swimming.
One of the most popular features of many life jackets is the
handle built into the back of the vest, for easy retrieval out of the water. They can be easily lifted out of the water by hand or retrieval with a boathook. Straps wrapped under the body support the dog when being comfortably lifted out of the water.
Selecting the correct size and fit for the animal is important when buying a life jacket. Another important consideration is the floatation capabilities of the life jacket, as there is no set of standards for animal life vests. Before buying a life jacket for a pet, owners should do some research on what types of life saving devices and features are available before making a final choice.
If you are planning a holiday boating excursion during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, be cautious of less-experienced boaters in the water and be sure to have all boat occupants - including pets - securely strapped into a life jacket in case you encounter life-threatening circumstances beyond your control.
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