In life, there are moments of pure joy, and often, those moments are made even sweeter when shared with someone you love. This heartwarming story is a testament to the bond between humans and their furry friends, and how a retired surgeon from Rutland, Vermont, turned his passion for kayaking into unforgettable adventures with his Golden Retrievers.

It all began when David Bahnson, an outdoor enthusiast, noticed that his family’s first Golden Retriever pet, Susie, could easily fit into the kayak’s baggage compartment. While typically too small for an additional paddler, for Susie, it seemed like the perfect snug spot. The only adjustment needed was the addition of coaming to keep her dry during their rides.

Susie’s enthusiastic response to this new adventure was undeniable. As a Golden Retriever, her spirit was naturally adventurous, and being out on the water became yet another delightful way to entertain her. However, even though she adored the water, she never leaped out of the kayak until they safely returned to shore.

David’s wife, Linda, later introduced Ginger, another Golden Retriever, to the family. Not wanting to exclude their new furry family member from the adventure, David decided to modify his kayak once again, creating extra room for Ginger. And, just like Susie, Ginger wholeheartedly embraced this newfound kayaking experience.

The trio embarked on numerous water adventures together, creating cherished memories along the way. Both Susie and Ginger were exceptional doggos, obedient and well-trained, making it effortless for David to keep them from diving into the water prematurely. He proudly shared, “They sit down, and off we go. When we come ashore, they’ll stay seated until I tell them it’s OK to get out.”

As time passed, Susie and Ginger, after living lives filled with adventures and joyful moments, crossed the rainbow bridge. Their absence left a void in David and Linda’s hearts, but they take solace in knowing that their pets were deeply loved during their time in this world.

The kayaking tradition didn’t end there, as the couple welcomed a new furry family member, Piper, another Golden Retriever, into their home. Piper shares the same enthusiasm for exploring the water and creating lasting memories with his loving owners in the picturesque landscapes of Vermont.

With Piper by their side, David and Linda continue to paddle through calm waters and under sunny skies, carrying the legacy of their beloved Golden companions, Susie and Ginger, in their hearts. The story of their kayaking adventures serves as a heartwarming reminder of the unbreakable bond between humans and their faithful furry friends.