We asked for dogs, and you delivered—hundreds of them. Nearly 200 readers entered our Salty Paws Photo Contest, sending more than 400 images of their favorite four-legged crewmates. The response celebrated every size, shape and personality: large and small, sleek and shaggy, dignified and delightfully goofy. Above all, the photos captured what matters most—dogs who love life on the water and the people who take them there.
Boat dogs come in many forms. Some are natural water lovers, paddling or diving with abandon. Others prefer sunning on the foredeck, nose to the breeze, eyes narrowed against the spray. What united all the entries was an unmistakable sense of boat life: confident paws on non-slip decking, curious heads peeking over gunnels, and the steady companionship that makes a day afloat complete.
For weeks we filled our office with your photos. Prints and thumbnails were taped and pinned across cubicle walls, spilling down the editorial corridor, into offices and around corners. The spread of images became a daily delight—new smiles and surprises every time we passed. Thank you to everyone who shared: every submission added to the joy and made judging both rewarding and difficult.
To choose winners we assembled an unconventional panel of judges. Pictured above, Skipper is a 15-month-old black Labrador, Finley is an 18-month-old lab/spaniel mix, and Charlie is a 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier—whose independent streak likely explains her artistic temperament. Together they brought a playful, dog-centric perspective to the task. With keen eyes, wagging tails and emphatic nose-taps, they reminded us of what a great dog photo should feel like: full of personality, comfortable in its surroundings and clearly having fun.
Judging a contest like this is never only about technical perfection. Composition, lighting and clear focus matter, but equally important are the moments that show connection—between dog and captain, dog and crew, or dog and the sea itself. Our judges favored images that captured motion, curiosity, and relaxed confidence. They also insisted on one rule above all: the shot should look like a good time.
We avoided repetition and noise in our selection process, focusing instead on images that brought something fresh—whether an expressive glance, a splash of water frozen in midair, a perfectly timed smile, or the quiet dignity of a dog standing watch. The resulting gallery is a celebration of dogs who belong on boats: companions trained to balance on moving decks, happy in harnesses or life vests, and ready for whatever the day on the water brings.
If you want to see the full Salty Paws collection, browse our photo set on Flickr at the following address (copy and paste into your browser): www.flickr.com/photos/soundingsonline. The gallery displays the many ways dogs enrich boating—from spirited deck antics to serene sunset watches.
Beyond the contest, these images remind us of a few practical, humane notes for anyone boating with dogs: keep fresh water and shade available, ensure safe footing with non-slip mats when possible, secure dogs with harnesses or tethers in rough conditions, and respect their limits—some pups love every minute on a boat, while others take time to adjust. A relaxed, confident dog is a safer, happier boating companion.
We hope this showcase inspires you to bring your dog along for the next cruise and to capture a few moments to remember. Above all, thanks again to everyone who entered—your photos made this contest a lively, heartwarming tribute to the bond between dogs and the sea.
This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue.