Ship ahoy..........

We will be going on a short canal boat holiday (actually it's only the holiday that's short. The boat itself is very, very l-o-n-g!) in the autumn with a group of friends, which has prompted a discussion on the health and safety aspects of such an expedition.

Top of the list for safety precautions has to be small dog, who only has to catch a glimpse of a duck and is up and off, throwing caution to the wind.

I am sure that she CAN swim but we have never tested the hypothesis. More to the point she would make a tasty snack for a passing pike.

So Perfectionist Partner has been surfing the net, looking for a suitable doggy life jacket. Small dog unwillingly submitted to the indignity of being measured every which way and apparently she is a very odd size, skinny and long. However a few hours of diligent searching has revealed an American website who sell lifejackets for all sizes and shapes of dogs, in all kinds of snazzy designs, and all with a useful handle for hoiking dogs out of the briny.

Of course, small dog, being a bit of a fashionista, will probably want suitable accessories. So if you happen to be in the vicinity of the Oxford Canal in early autumn and catch sight of a rather dashing nautical small dog, be sure to wave and say hello..............