On a trip last summer (2021) to Emerald Cove, I saw a young pup on a paddle board and I immediately thought of my pup, Sam.

From a distance, we exchanged some words and it was the pups first time out on the water.

A few weeks ago, I got the Intex Challenger K2 and took Sam with me. He is always up to go for a ride, but had no idea he was going kayaking.

Same really doesn’t mind the shoes.

Sam typically doesn’t wear his shoes, but never been on an inflatable kayak and the last thing I was worrying about was his nails puncturing a hole in it.

Instead of K2 Challenger, the name is now K9 Challenger 😊

Got the kayak inflated and ready to go. Set it in the water and got in first. Called Sam to get in a few times, but he was more interested in the lake water (gross). But after he quenched his thirst, he jumped right on it.

Pushed off and ready to go!

Sam was a bit shaky and nervous at first, but quickly got use to it. I only had to tell him to sit down a few times. The last thing I’d want to do was him jumping in and having to pull him back in.

About halfway to the falls, he turned and turned me into his bed. Sam was definitely comfortable and felt safe in the new environment.

Sam was getting comfortable. Not even halfway there.

Made it to Burgess Falls. His shoes kept getting caught between the loose rocks and coming off, so they stayed off.

I think Sam is picking up a new sport of bouldering, but it’s probably just me.

I’ve always wondered what goes on in Sam’s head when we go places. What are his thoughts his emotions. Just like any doggo owner, I wish I could speak to him and he would talk back.

Sam in his thoughts people watching.

On the way back to the Rec Center, Sam comfortably laid down most of the way and he wasn’t so close to me.

I’m so glad that Sam wasn’t scared on this trip. This means I can take him on the water more often.