The connection between man and dog is something very special. Why else would they be called “Man’s Best Friend”? Dogs are loyal, affectionate creatures, who show unconditional love to their human friends. According to the famous dog whisperer Cesar Millan, “Dogs are pack animals. They want to belong to a pack, whether it’s made up of dogs or humans.”

There’s also a very intimate connection between man and water. I’m not talking about the water we drink, but the ocean, the lake, the river, whatever source of water a man feels close to. In order to fulfill a man’s desire to be on or near the water, we sometimes use boats. My boat of choice is a sailboat. When I’m out sailing, a feeling of peacefulness overtakes me. It’s unlike any other method of relaxation. Just using the power of the wind to take me where I want to be.

When I can combine the closeness of being with my dog and being on the water in my sailboat, it’s such a great combination. It’s been a while since Karma, my faithful sidekick, has been sailing with me. So tonight when I decided to go on a sunset sail she was so excited to get on the water again. She used to go with me all the time, but she’s getting up in years and lately she’s just been holding down the couch while I go sailing.

I know she really enjoyed sailing tonight and so did I! Here’s a few photos.

Karma is super happy on the water!

Wing-on-wing sailing.

Some of you sailors might recognize the line going across the cockpit. I’ve taken to cross-sheeting the jib when I’m single-handed. It seems to be really a lot easier to handle the jibsheet work since I can do it from the high side (where I’m sitting) when I’m heeled, rather than having to go to the low side. The only issue is stepping over the sheet if I must go forward.

She heard a dog barking from another boat. Really got her attention!