Fun

Real-Life Ron Swanson Builds A Beautiful Kayak For Him And His Golden Retrievers

Written by: Zoe Costello

November 7, 2015

67-year old David Bahnson really knows how to retire. A former orthopedic surgeon, Bahnson is spending his new free time doing what he loves: kayaking, woodworking, and spending time with his dogs.

Conveniently, the real-life Ron Swanson figured out a way to combine all three of his passions when he built a wooden kayak, with some special, canine accommodations.

BahnsonHUFF2

Bahnson thought of the idea when he noticed how easily his Golden Retriever, Susie, fit inside the baggage compartment of his kayak. And after a few modifications to the space, it was transformed into the perfect pup perch.

o-DOG-4-570

Soon after this innovative discovery, Bahnson, his wife, and Susie welcomed another dog into their family—a Golden Retriever named Ginger. Naturally, Bahnson built a second canine-compartment on his kayak so as to not exclude either one of his girls. Thereby inventing the first ever, one-person-two-canine kayak.

bahnsonHUFF

“Our dogs have always loved to travel with us in cars, in my airplane, in boats,” Bahnson told Huffington Post UK. “Building a way for them to kayak with us just seemed like a logical choice, and the boats are fun to build anyway.”

bahnsonHUFFUS

Despite being naturally strong swimmers, Susie and Ginger still went through some training before their first kayak excursion. Bahnson says they were very fast learners, and explained to The Dodo:

“They are trained to get in the kayak themselves on command. 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. They never hopped out into the water, actually… They seem to love it. They get excited when we’d pull the kayaks out and see that we were going.”

Sadly, both Ginger and Susie have since passed away, but their lives were filled with love, happiness, and even adventure. “I love my dogs. I love training them, the companionship.” Bahnson said. “We’ve gone miles and miles of paddling with our dogs. They just really enjoy going places.”
Bahnson and his wife now “doggy-paddle” with their new puppy, and co-captain, Piper.

piper

H/t via Huffington Post and The Dodo
Featured image via Canoe Kayak

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Written by: Zoe Costello

November 7, 2015

Nutritionist-crafted food for your dog's breed or mix.

Recipes designed for dogs' individuality

LEARN MORE

INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.

INNOVATIVE DOG STUFF, EVERY MONTH.

A themed collection of BARK-designed toys, treats, and chews.