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Read the press release here.

Brooklyn Dogs Can Now Go Sailing

By Janet Upadhye | April 15, 2013 1:26pm

FORT GREENE — Anchors aweigh, North Brooklyn pooches!

A locally based dog walking company, Brooklyn Bark, goes beyond a stroll in the park by offering sailing trips for Brooklyn's four-legged friends.

"Dogs adore the motion of the boat and the wind," said Helen Bowers, a dog walker. "They come home happy, sandy and exhausted."

Brooklyn Bark will pick up hounds in the North Brooklyn area with a van and transport them out to Bower's Putnam County home where they can take hikes, go to the beach, dig in the sand, and test their sea legs on Bowers' boat in a trip down the Hudson.

On the boat, a First Aid/CPR certified dog walker straps a life jacket on adventurous dogs and takes them on a ride that Bowers calls "heaven-on-earth for most city dogs."

"The owners actually get jealous of the adventures their dogs have while they are behind a desk at work," Bowers said.

But Bowers is sure to send frequent pictures and videos of the river adventures, so that dog owners get to experience a piece of the fun.

Brooklyn Bark was founded three years ago by Helen Bowers' daughter, Rachel Bowers, 28. The Pratt Computer Animation graduate said she loves dogs as much as art, and wanted to give urban canines the fresh rural air that they crave. She now has over 500 furry clients and employs nine dog walkers.

Dog walkers always send owners notes after each adventure.

"Reiner's afternoon walk went well. She does this funny stroll with her head up in the air and takes her time when it's warm out. When it's cold she is head-down and business. She half attempted to chase some squirrels which I think she was pretty proud of herself about :)," wrote one walker in a daily update, adding, "She peed on her walk but no poop. I gave her dinner which she scarfed down."

"We are passionate about animals and go beyond regular dog-walking services," Bowers said.

The dog walks are also GPS tracked so owners know exactly where their pets are.

Walks cost $30 for an hour, sleepovers cost $95 for the night and sailing trips depend on length of time.

Visit Brooklyn Bark for more information.