Christmas 2018

The Red Head crew has finally recovered from the first Christmas with the newest crew member. Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora awoke to find Santa had left three packages under the tree. Mom was sure Santa had gotten his naughty and nice lists mixed up but then noticed one of the presents was for Dylan - definitely a nice boy.

Dad tried to control the opening of the gifts - "tried" being the operative word.

The crew didn't bother to read the tags but eventually everyone ended up with a toy.

Of course, Dora wanted the toy Dee Dee had.

Dee Dee was having none of it.

 Dora persevered with little success.

Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora wish everyone a very happy holiday season. We look forward to a great 2019 and to seeing you out on the water.

Key West

 The red Head crew has been at Key West for a week now.

It was sure good to be dockside after nearly 2 weeks either at anchor or underway.

The first order of business was a visit to the dog park. The trip has now become an afternoon institution.

Even Mom and Dad are happier when Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora have spent an hour running  around the park.

Dora has a dog park boyfriend, Rigley. It was love at first sight.

Yesterday Dora even shredded her first coconut. Dylan gave a few pointers but she mainly figured it out on her own. The first of many coconuts to come.

The Red Head crew thinks they're going to like it here...

Key Biscayne

What could be harder than 3 dogs in a dinghy? 3 dogs who have been on the boat for ten straight days in a dinghy...

After ten days of moving and hanging at anchor in windy weather, Wednesday afternoon the winds settled and the crew took a dinghy ride into Key Biscayne Yacht Club. How did the motley Red Head crew make their way into a swanky yacht club? They know some people in high places (thank you, Greg!)

From there it was only a short walk to the Village of Key Biscayne Dog Park, also rather swanky.

Things really got going when Libra, a one year golden, arrived.

Oh, to be young again! Needless to say, the dinghy ride back was much calmer.

It looks like it could be another couple of days before Red Head can continue on to Key West. Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora are keeping fingers crossed that they'll take another dinghy ride.

Twins???

Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora had their last run to the dog park this morning as Mom is returning the car early tomorrow. While we were there, a women came running down the path with a black and white dog alongside. The dog spotted the crew and ran to the fence. Her name was Sophie and her mom decided to bring her in for a romp.

All were amazed at how much Dora and Sophie looked alike. Practically twins! They have similar stories too. Sophie was found on the street when her mom was taking a run one day.

The two girls certainly had a good time.

First and Last

Today Dora had her first surgery that we hope will be her last. Dad took her in early this morning to Seaside Veterinary Clinic where she was scheduled to be spayed. Dora's dad stayed with her as she woke. She did fine and was home before noon.

There will be no stair climbing or jumping up and certainly no going to the dog park for the next few days. That means she can't sleep in the master stateroom. Don't worry her dad will be taking good care of her. Such a spoiled girl...


November 20

Today Dora received a beautiful bouquet of roses and a get well card from her friends Oliver and Muffin on Big Woof! Feeling better already.

An Important 1st

Since Dora joined the Red head crew, she has been racking up one first after another. Pretty much every place she goes and much of what she does is a first for this little girl. Last week she checked off a really important first - her first overnight cruise.

So how did she do? Terrific. Of course, it helped to have 2nd Mate Dee Dee there to show her the ropes.

Where was 1st Mate Dylan? Just chill'n.

Another Amigo

Faithful followers of the blog will remember the many fun-filled days Dylan, Dee Dee, and their best buddy, Gracie, spent at the beach in the Bahamas. Mom loved those times so well, she chose the above picture for her iPad background. If you've missed them or just want to put a smile on your face, check out the entries from 2015 and 2016:

http://www.takingpaws.com/2015/02/theyre-retrievers.html

http://www.takingpaws.com/2016/03/its-deja-vu-all-over-again.html

Red Head has been "stuck" in Southport while Dad works on some below deck issues. It hasn't been the best time for the crew. Mom rented a car a few times so Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora could visit a mediocre dog park nearby. And the crew went on daily walks around Southport. Not bad but not great.

Then Dad heard from Gracie's people. They were nearby in Holden Beach visiting their beach house with Gracie. Plans were quickly made for a visit including a romp on the beach.

It was just like old times, with the addition of another amigo.

How did the newest addition do? Just fine.

This was Dora's first exposure to the ocean and to ocean waves. She handled it with the typical aplomb of a Red Head crew member.

It was certainly a day Dora will not soon forget.

The day was bittersweet, though. While the crew enjoyed yet another ocean romp with Gracie, they won't be seeing her in the Bahamas this winter. Gracie and her people sold their DeFever, Carolina, last year.

It was great to see you, Gracie!

The Red Head Crew

One of the most common questions Dylan and Dee Dee hear is about how the newest crew member is fitting in. They thought the following series says it all...

Dee Dee: "I'm still the diva."

Dylan:  "Sigh..."

Michael

 

The Red Head crew decided to hunker down at AYB in Chesapeake, VA to let Hurricane Michael pass through. It was a tropical storm when it came through in the middle of the night. There was lots of noise and rain but little damage.

Dora now has a real storm under her belt. She slept through it...

Unfortunately, the crew’s home from last winter, Panama City Beach, did not fair so well. Everyone watched the news and saw pictures of the destruction of familiar places. The kids worried most about their friends from the dog park.

Dylan, Dee Dee, and Dora are sending their warmest wishes to all the dogs and their humans at the Frank Brown Dog Park. We hope you weathered the storm and will recover quickly.

On The Road Again

The Red Head crew left Solomons this morning to begin the slow ramble south. Everyone was happy to be on the move again. Each crew member found the perfect spot.

Dee Dee positioned herself in the shade with a cool breeze.

Dora found the sunny spot.

Handsome Dylan, always taking his rank of 1st Mate very seriously, settled in at the helm.

Red Head officially begins her winter 2018-2019 cruise. Looking forward to new adventures with our expanded crew. Dylan, Dee Dee and Dora hope to meet you along the way!