Boatyard Dog - Issue 125

Fiona was a wee lass, was just seven months old and seven pounds heavy, when this photo was taken last summer on a friend’s boat, the Hinckley B40 Manuela. She reports that a winter spent training in South Carolina has helped her to reach her fighting weight (eight pounds), perfect for fitting comfortably on the dash of her boat Water Sky, a Back Cove 29. Once in Bass Harbor for the summer, Fiona will supervise all work done by Up Harbor Marina (which maintains her boat) and preside over informal Bass Harbor Yacht Club meetings on the dock as part of her many duties. Celtic sweater aside, you might not guess that this toy Manchester terrier is Scottish through and through, but och aye, it’s true! She’s a MacNeish, with a registered name that is longer than she: Celtic Cross’ Fiona of Loch Ern. Her clan nominated her to be a Boatyard "Pup" because in addition to her grandchild-tolerant nature, she loves to cruise in company with other good-looking yachts. She sends a particular shout-out to the crew of the Fiona Rois, a Cape Dory 45, which is captained by her VBFF (very best feline friend) Ophelia. We’d love to hear about your pet’s boatyard duties. Send a clear photo and pertinent details to BYD, P.O. Box 566, Rockland, ME 04841, or use the handy form at www.maineboats.com. This column has sparked a rollicking event—the World Championship Boatyard Dog® Trials —on Sunday morning during the annual Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show in Rockland. This year’s show dates are August 9-11, 2013. It’s not too late for your dog to enter for a chance to compete: details HERE. (Note: NO other pets are allowed on show grounds at any time for liability reasons; please leave them at home.) Share your Boatyard Dog’s story with our readers! Send a clear photo and pertinent details to: BYD, P.O. Box 566, Rockland, ME 04841, or click here and use our online contact form.