Ahoy there Mate!

If your best friend loves water and is fortunate enough to have access to the ocean, lake or large body of water, you may want to invest in a doggie life jacket to ensure his safety on the water. Paws Aboard specializes in products for dogs who enjoy an active lifestyle whether in water or on land, or while travelling away from home.

My wire fox terrier Axel loves to swim and will do so in any body of water from a mere puddle, to a Philadelphia public fountain (shh, don't tell) to the ocean. Although he is a great swimmer and can tread water much longer than I can, I decided to invest in a doggie life jacket for those times when he swims in deep water.

After much research, I settled upon the Paws Aboard designer doggy life jacket because they provide ultimate buoyancy and high visibility on the water. As quoted on their Web site, "Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jackets features an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which provides your dog more comfort and healthier conditions than traditional pet life jackets made with neoprene, which can cause heat exhaustion and chafing." The jackets offer a very secure, snug fit with a Velcro fastening system and quick release buckles. The jackets also have reflective strips for maximum visibility and a handle on top for quick and easy grabbing.

And why be boring when you can look fabulous on the water? The jackets come in wonderful designs and colors from polkadot to camouflage for the hunting dogs among us. For Axel, I chose the nautical design (pictured) which is colorful and fun. Depending on the size of your dog, life jackets from Paws Aboard are priced from $23.99-$49.99.