Oh, lucky you...and lucky dogs!
If canals hadn't been made for narrowboats, they would have been made for dogs! It's a safe car-free destination with no sheep to tempt their chasing instincts. The canine community of the canals comes in all shapes and sizes, and there's serious tail-wagging to be done - both on land and afloat.
All the best narrowboats cruise by with doggy skippers and the towpaths are heaven for more land-loving breeds. (Labrador families beware...it's hard to keep them out of the water!)
Top doggy tips:
- Most dogs can swim, but find out whether yours can before you set off on a canal walk - even paws can slip sometimes, and dogs do fall into canals.
- It's thirsty work walking the towpaths, so make sure you bring fresh drinking water for your dog. Most canalside pubs and lock-keepers' cottages leave bowls of water for dogs out on the towpath, and there are British Waterways' taps scattered along the way (although for these, you will need a special British Waterways' key)
- How far your dog can walk will depend on age, fitness, size and breed,
but if you are unsure, always consult your vet first.
- Don't forget your dog's bandana!
It's a waterways tradition and dogs do look cool (and love to show off!)...
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Dog-friendly
Throughout this website, whenever we have been made aware that a venue or accommodation is dog-friendly, we mark it with our symbol 
. Hover over it to see specific comments.
Dog-friendly narrowboat hire
Most narrowboat hire companies welcome your well-behaved dog (or cat!) on board. Some companies do charge if you take a pet with you, so check with them when booking. Hiring a narrowboat >>
There's even a company who will take your dog on a boating holiday - leaving you behind!
Dog Holidays Afloat - T:01278 699119
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DOGS IN NEED OF HELP
There are thousands of rescue dogs desperately in need of help
Ways you can help:
Give a rescue dog a new home
Sponsor a dog - as little as £1 a week can make a real difference...
Become a volunteer at your local rescue centre -
dog walking, fostering, fundraising - it can be fun too!
Our local rescue centre, Hereford & Worcester Animal Rescue, is run by small dedicated team who are always in need of support and funds
"With the support of Herefordshire Council, all the stray and abandoned dogs of Herefordshire get a second chance. They stay in our care until new homes can be found , either living in foster homes or in the kennels we rent. Some dogs may be too old or ill to be lucky enough to find a home of their own. These dogs are placed in lifetime foster care, where they can live out their remaining days in the comfort and security of a home. We cover their veterinary costs, all we ask is the foster home to supply a loving warm environment for them.
Our rescue is entirely self funding, we rely entirely on public donations and money raised from our various fund raising events.
We pledge a lifetime commitment to our dogs - we will always be there for them - never again will they have no-one to look out for them."
(Quote from Hereford & Worcester Animal Rescue website)
They have many success stories but still have to deal with unimaginable cruelty. The saddest are hard to ignore. This is just one tragic example from their website:
'No-name'
"Abandoned in his hour of need.
His last week of his life spent in a cold concrete kennel rather than the comfort of his own home. No-name came into our care today, despite his obvious pain he still wagged his tail and gave paw.
We had high hopes of him having a few months of warmth and love, however our vet advised that it was kinder to let him go, a hard decision to make.
Rest in peace beautiful boy,
we loved you."
Please help them by sponsoring a dog, sponsoring a kennel, helping with fundraising and dog walking, or placing a memorial to a loved pet on their 'Living Tree Memorial'.
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