Pets on the Cut
Proper little madam
WITH Mr Johnson having just declared lockdown 2 in England I was conscious to abide by the rules and guidelines regarding non-essential travel. I found myself adjusting my plans, like many, to ensure my weekly essential shop coincided with a nice long walk and lots of outdoor fresh air.
On one such walk, which was in a country park next to the River Ouse, I stumbled upon a lost dog, which was being ushered by another dog owner in an attempt to catch and secure it, while we tried to trace its owner.
Eventually the grateful owner was reunited with his wet and tired dog and they went on their way. I then found out a bit about my fellow rescuer (Claudia), and her lovely five-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Jessie.
It turned out that Claudia lives on a widebeam boat at Bedford Marina with her dad and Jessie, who she has owned from a puppy, and who was given to her on her 16th birthday.
The boat was purchased new four years ago (house owners previously) from The New & Used Boat Co, and she had a lot of input on all the fixtures and fittings, as they split all the decisions 50:50 (makes perfect sense to me), although she did end up with the larger bedroom. They have central heating as well as a log burner but opted out of a bath as they take too much water out of the tank to fill.
Although moored in a marina with an amazing community, which happens to be where a well-known upcycler, designer, entrepreneur and TV presenter lives, Jessie does get to go out cruising up and down the river as Claudia’s dad likes to get out and about, even taking Jessie on a two-week cruising holiday, twice a year in his floating home, which has probably totalled a few hundred miles.
Jessie is not actually that keen on water as she does not really like to get her feet wet but has unfortunately fallen in a few times including when approaching a lock, when mooring up (heard that a few times) and when chasing after ducks.
She will also run after swans, cats and anything that moves really, plus she will visit boat owners who all love her – well, everyone does – as soon as they start their engines.
Food wise, she loves kibble, Cheddar cheese and doggy peanut butter but can be a bit of a treat snob, as I discovered! She can also be a rather stubborn (but adorable) diva on occasions and will not tolerate the vacuum at all as she bites it and wins, which is a bit ironic as the brand is Shark!
Tip wise, Claudia suggested having time and patience with a new pet on a boat and ensuring you spend time with them as separation anxiety can be an issue. Luckily Jessie always has someone around including the neighbours, which is perfect for this little madam.