Yesterday was a pretty important day aboard the Pilots’ Discretion. Patton, our intrepid, world traveling Cocker Spaniel turned fifteen (15) years old. Way back when we initially left the comfort zone of our home marina in Tarpon Springs, Florida (2 and 1/2 years ago) we had some concerns with how well our then 12 year old buddy would adapt to a life at sea. Our concerns were completely unfounded. Patton is the first one up every morning and the last one to turn in each night after surveying the boat to assure himself that the entire crew is accounted for.
Patton crew
He loves excursions in the dinghy and he has his favorite spot picked out under the Captain’s helm chair for long passages.
Patton driving the dinghy in the BVIs
Randy & Patton in front of the Indians, B.V.I.
The story would not be complete without acknowledging there have been some concessions made due to the decision to cruise with Patton. We do not patronize places along the way that are not dog friendly. We have on rare occasions had more difficulty clearing immigration as a result of declaring Patton as part of our crew but all in all, he has been a very positive addition to our crew and we would not consider having it any other way.
Cable Car, Loma Isabel de Torres, Dominican Republic
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- El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico
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- Randy & Patton, La Mina Falls, Puerto Rico
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- Patton, Randy, Ryan, Ronan, Cow Wreck Beach, BVI
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- Patton, Fat Virgin, Biras Creek, Vigin Gorda, BVI
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- Patton pointing the way on the Quill volcano trail, Statia
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- R,R, and Patton-Port Louis, Grenada
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- Mount Cinnamon, Grenada
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- Family Concord Waterfalls, Grenada
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- Patton reading Tricks of the Trades by Bruce Van Sant
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- Randy andPatton exiting the Boiling House, Rum Distillery, Grenada
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- Patton & Randy at the Hope Town Light House, Elbow Cay, Bahamas
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- Patton enjoying touring the fort, Gustavia, St. Bart
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- Patton taking Mom for a hike around Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua 🙂
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- Patton, Fort Berkeley, English Harbor, Antigua
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- Patton taking Randy for a hike in Antigua
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- Patton taking in the view from his jet pack perch at Fort Berkeley, Antigua
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- Patton relaxing on the beach, Mount Cinnamon Resort, St. George’s, Grenada
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- Patton watching the Hawksbill turtles in Bequia
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- Patton and Uncle James, hiking to Fort Rodney, St. Lucia
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- Ronan, Theresa, Ryan and Patton, Fort Rodney, Pigeon Island, St. Lucia
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- Ryan, Patton and Ronan, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia
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- Patton and Randy on Patton’s 15th Birthday, St. Lucia
For those of you following our blog who are not dog people, I am sure you just scratch your head when you see me acting like a very proud papa when talking about Patton. To the dog people following us, I know that I need to say no more.
Happy birthday Patton, the crew of the Pilots’ Discretion loves you❤️
Patton enjoying the sunset from The Bight, Norman Island, B.V.I.
pilotsdiscretiondotcom 
My conure Mango recently turned 17. I have had her since she hatched. I can’t imagine not having her in my life. I am not a dog person, but a pet can easily become an important part of your life. I completely understand.
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They are an integral part of our families Tom.
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Happy Birthday Patton….KQ
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Thanks Uncle Ken, my dad told me that you are a dog guy😉
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Happy Birthday Patton! Now we know where the term “Old Sea Dog” originated.
He’s a good boy!
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Happy Birthday, Patton!
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Very happy birthday to your cute crew member, Patton!!! Oh yes, we totally understand the proud Papa and the joy Patton brings on board your ship!
Glad you are healing nicely, Randy😘😘😘
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Thanks guys, the recovery is on track.
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Happy Birthday, Patton!!! Carry on,..
* Capt Ric**hard (Rick) Odato, ATP, CFI*
Sarasota, Florida U.S.A. Email: rick@odato.com Phone: (941) 730-4461 http://www.suncoastskyview.com *Official Matterport Service Partner*
On Sun, Feb 26, 2017 at 10:48 AM, pilotsdiscretiondotcom wrote:
> Randy posted: “Yesterday was a pretty important day aboard the Pilots’ > Discretion. Patton, our intrepid, world traveling Cocker Spaniel turned > fifteen years old. Way back when we initially left the comfort zone of our > home marina in Tarpon Springs, Florida (2 and 1/2 ye” >
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Love having the opportunity to follow your special dream cruising.
We especially love the fact that Patton is a star player on your crew.
Our cocker spaniel pals included two Black Cockers, Mandie & Mercedes and one buff Brandie.
The light of our life is now a little Westin & Jack Russell.
What would we do without our precious pets?
Janet & Herb Montgomery
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Patton!!!!!!! Wishing you all the cauliflower of your dreams!!!! (Wishing we were there to prepare some for you!!!) Here… finished Day #1(of 3) of Carnival! Quite different than Grenada, but still very colorful!!! A lot less alcohol involved! A real “family” affair!!! Fun to be a part of! Sending lots of hugs and petting to Patton for his special day!!! (O.K…. we send hugs to the rest of you too!!!! 🙂 Love to all, Paulette & John
>
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Send more cauliflower, my parents are cutting me off! Patton.
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Happy Birthday Patten. We now have three aussies, Ellie May 7, Cabernet 2 and Pookie Lou, not yet 1.
On Sun, Feb 26, 2017 at 10:48 AM, pilotsdiscretiondotcom wrote:
> Randy posted: “Yesterday was a pretty important day aboard the Pilots’ > Discretion. Patton, our intrepid, world traveling Cocker Spaniel turned > fifteen years old. Way back when we initially left the comfort zone of our > home marina in Tarpon Springs, Florida (2 and 1/2 ye” >
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Thanks Brian, Patton and his parents appreciate the thoughts as only a dog person can.
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Happy Birthday, Patton!
Love, Panda and Patti
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