DOG OVERBOARD - BLUE HEELER PRESUMED DROWNED!

My wife recently finished reading the story of Sophie Tucker, a young Blue Heeler who fell unseen from her humans’ boat in the Whitsundays and was presumed lost – until she turned up on St Bees Island, Queensland a few months later.

Her story of survival is nothing short of miraculous. Most dogs would not have survived even the initial dunking in the treacherous waters between Keswick and St Bees islands. How long do you think your dog would survive in the ocean – especially in colder climates – if he or she wasn’t wearing a lifejacket?

Most dogs can swim OK but in rough seas they may soon become overwhelmed by panic, exhaustion and cold and drown quite quickly. Even if you see them go overboard, unless you keep them in your sight at all times, you might not be able to find them in the waves when you return to the spot they went in.

Please; if you value your companion, put them in a properly fitted lifejacket made for tough conditions. If the worst happens, they will be buoyant and visible and stand a far better chance of recovery than otherwise. The RUFFWEAR lifejacket that SkippersMate promotes is strong and durable with a handy lifting handle on the top to help scoop your little mate out of the water.

We first discovered RUFFWEAR in Scotland when we met Flossie, a big bouncy Springer Spaniel who was kayaking down the Caledonian Canal with her Mum Fiona. Springers are known for their love of the water and Flossie was no exception. She loved wearing her RUFFWEAR lifejacket which was also highly recommended by Mum Fiona, a vet from New Zealand.

The photos show Jack Russell terrier “Holly Wood” modelling the small size RUFFWEAR lifejacket in yellow.

Recommended Book: “Sophie: Dog Overboard” by Emma Pearse.