Golden Retrievers are known for their love of water, so it was no surprise when Susie, a golden retriever, expressed her desire to join her owner, David, a retired orthopedic surgeon, on his kayaking adventures.
It all began one day when Susie spontaneously jumped into the baggage compartment of David’s kayak, clearly eager to accompany him. Recognizing her enthusiasm and appreciating her companionship, David decided to take her along on her first kayaking trip. The experience was a success, and Susie quickly became a regular companion on David’s outings on the water.
Not long after, David and his wife adopted another golden retriever named Ginger. Naturally, Ginger wasn’t about to be left behind, so David devised a creative solution to include her in their kayaking adventures. He modified his kayak by cutting a second hole, creating a unique setup that accommodated both dogs. “When we got Ginger, I added another hole. It’s like a triple kayak, though there isn’t enough room for the paddlers to stretch their legs—but it’s perfect for the dogs,” David explained.
Together, David, Susie, and Ginger shared countless memorable moments on the water. David trained the dogs to enter the kayak on command, remain seated during the trip, and wait for his signal before exiting once ashore. “They never jumped into the water,” David noted. “They were very well-behaved.”
Though Susie and Ginger have since passed away, David has continued the heartwarming tradition of adopting and training dogs to join him on his kayaking journeys. His kindness and dedication have undoubtedly brought joy, love, and adventure to the lives of many dogs.
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