By Jerome A. Koncel
F
or those boaters who have pets and who describe themselves as “pet lovers,” this will come as no surprise. To those people who are not “pet lovers,” but are fascinated about the attachment boaters have to their pets, here’s the explanation. Boaters consider their pets to be members of their family. That’s why they take them wherever they go, including on their boats and on the water.
The love affair between boaters and pets is not new. actually, it’s
that is 10 minutes from downtown Toronto and within easy access to
been around for a long time. In fact, the Biblical story of Noah and
Lake Ontario. He lives year-round on a 50-foot 1964 restored Chris-
the Ark was probably one of the first written accounts of the close
Craft boat, and his constant companion is Maxine. “Half of my life
relationship between humans and animals, and that relationship
revolves around her,” Carr said. Indicative of this close association
continues on to this day.
is the flag that flies on the boat with the initials “JRT,” which stands
Calls to marinas/harbors on the Great Lakes indicated that nearly
for Jack Russell Terrier, Maxine’s breed.
all of them consider themselves to be “pet-friendly.” Moreover, the
Listening to Carr talk about Maxine, a bundle of energy, is like
number of slipholders who keep pets on their vessels range from
listening to anyone talk about their wife or best friend. For Carr,
10 percent to nearly 40 percent. Although we did not undertake a
Maxine is certainly more than just a dog. “We sail all over the
scientific survey of all Great Lakes marinas to reach this conclusion,
Great Lakes, and she’s at my side whenever and wherever we go,”
not one of the dozen marinas contacted for this story said they
Carr said.
excluded pets from the premises. On the contrary, there was an almost universal acceptance.
Carr, who holds a captain’s license and is a marine handyman by profession, said that Maxine was born on a boat, and has made
Half my life
it her home for the past nine years. Carr said that Maxine even
Although most recreational boaters are not shy about talking about
200-foot long Tall Ship. When he’s not working, Carr said that he
their pets, Ron Carr stands out. A year-round liveaboard boater, Carr
and Maxine are inseparable.
and his dog, Maxine, are probably one of the best examples of why boaters and pets are so intimately connected.
accompanies him on many of his work trips, including work on a
“I can’t begin to tell you all the fun and joy I’ve had with her,” said Carr. “She’s my partner, my best friend, even my waterskiing
Captain Ron, as he is known to his many friends, docks his vessel
partner.” Yes, Maxine has her own set of skiis, and Carr takes her
at the Outer Harbour Marina in Toronto, Ontario, a 650-slip facility
waterskiing whenever the opportunity presents itself.
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