It’s a RUFF Life…Meet Three of Our Hardworking Canine Crew Members
It’s a “ruff” life on Europe’s luxury barge cruises, but when it comes to our favorite crew members, those on four legs are often the friendliest on the French canals!
When selecting and booking a Barge Lady Cruise, our guests are happy to choose from many cozy comforts and cushy conveniences. Spacious decks…hot tubs…open kitchens…sure, all of these are enticing, but let’s be “fur” real here, one of the most adorable onboard amenities has got to be a barge dog!
These hardworking woof-woofs are cherished crew members, and can often be found undertaking their official duties with tail-wagging enthusiasm! These responsibilities include welcoming passengers as they board the barge; curling up in the wheelhouse as they co-pilot with the Captain; and accompanying guests on leisurely strolls providing the ultimate in private “furry security”. Pa(w)trolling ports, snoozing in the sunshine, and playing fetch with lockkeepers are also part of the job description for “les chiens”.
Meet three of the cruising canines who live, work, and love as they sail the inland waterways of France!
JYPSY, BARGE MAGNOLIA
Meet Jypsy with a J! “She’s called Jypsy with a J, not a G as it should be, simply because that was the year of the J. We do that in France, every year is a different letter you can use to name your pet,” explains Magali Rancelot, co-owner and Tour Guide on the 6-guest, Premier-class barge Magnolia.
This 10-year-old Border Collie and Australian Shepherd mix has been a main character in the Magnolia’s adventure since the beginning. Having participated in every element of the barge’s beautiful restoration, she is the crew member with the most seniority, and earned her impressive job title as “The Supervisor” honestly.
“She’s a very sweet dog, very calm, and her favorite activity is to walk along the towpath,” says Magali. “Most of our passengers have dogs at home, and they miss them when they are travelling. Having Jypsy onboard is something very enjoyable for them.”
Barge Lady guests have noted what a wonderful chaperone and walking companion Jypsy is! Read all about Jypsy and the Magnolia here.
LILY, BARGE ELISABETH
Introducing the Elisabeth’s Head of Security, Lily! On this 6-guest, Charming-class barge, Barge Lady passengers are in professional paws with Lily in charge. “Lily is the friendliest member of the crew,” says David, the Elisabeth‘s co-owner and Captain. “She loves to sit at the bow watching us handle the ropes, making sure everything is ship shape.”
For this energetic 6-year old English Springer Spaniel, life onboard the Elisabeth centers around her favorite spot in the wheelhouse, her doggy bed! As the vessel’s convivial canine co-pilot, she ensures guests feel right at home when they visit David in the Captain’s Deck.
“Burgundy’s face is constantly changing as we stop in beautiful places on the way,” observes Captain David. “Luckily, Lily, our friendly and loving ‘head of security’ is always on guard, and, of course, is VERY happy wherever she can have a paddle or a swim.”
Barge Lady Cruise Correspondent Tamara Gruber adored her week on the Elisabeth with Lily in crew! Enjoy her travelogue here.
PENNY, BARGE SARAPHINA
Presenting Penny! A recent addition to the 4-guest, Charming-class Saraphina‘s crew, Penny’s eager greetings and multi-lingual abilities ensure that Barge Lady guests of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed as they board the boat. “She speaks three languages that we know of,” says Emily, the Saraphina’s co-owner and Chef. With her gentle temperament and ease with families, Penny’s proficiency in English, French, and Dutch is all just part of her happy day.
For this 4-year-old Lab cross, the locks and ports along the Canal du Midi provide the perfect places for to show off her social skills. Penny’s favorite mooring is at Argens, as her doggy buddy Rio lives at the lockkeepers house. Upon being reunited, the two canines famously jump into each others arms/paws and entertain passengers with their delightful play.
“Penny, or, as we call her, Pen-Pen or Penny Lane, loves a raw carrot after dinner for dessert,” Emily reveals about her fellow crew member. “When she wants attention, she lies on her back. She would sleep outside every night with our cats and chickens if she could.”
Longtime Honorary Barge Lad Steve Leland raves about his “bone appetite” cruise on the Saraphina. Read all about it here.
Unfortunately, our guest’s doggies are not allowed to cruise on barges, doggone it! Also, while many guests enjoy cruising with four-legged crew members, please note that a dog’s presence onboard any of our barges is completely optional.