The Capers of Cilla
- May 2026

Hola me hearties,
this month is all about boating with Cilla. Muy bien, los barcos!!

My predecessor (and very much missed dog) was Doris and, although a total diva, legend has it that she was quite the boat dog. She loved nothing more than sailing around Brighton, hopping on and off the boat with grace.
Elaine said it was time for me to inherit her doggie lifejacket so I was mucho excited, Elaine said I had a lot to live up to and questioned whether I'd like our little boat.


Doris wearing the life jacket

The first step was walking the pontoon! Pontoons are wobbly, wooden, gappy and make a creaking nose when you walk on them. My first steps were tentative, but I soon realised they smell of crabs and fish, so I was off trotting! Muy bien Cilla.

Next up the noise... tapping rigging, squeaking fenders all ignored, so far so good. 

Thirdly, boarding the boat which turned out a total failure on my part but luckily had a solution. I took one look at the HUGE gap (30cm) between the pontoon and the boat and collapsed in a panicked heap, there was no way I was jumping that gulf. So Elaine had to pick me up and carry me aboard. Fortunately, being picked up is one of my favourite tricks and calms me totally. So boarding is no problem.


Cilla on the boat sailing

Finally actually sailing and being on the boat which surprisingly for Elaine, I utterly love. I love the movement, gentle engine noise, watching other boaters and the sunshine. It's my happy Cilla place and I'd actually quite like to live on it, I think Doris would be rather proud of me.
So for a dumped, unwanted puppy, I'm having quite the life.
Cilla the pirate dog x 

Good capers: Boats, marinas, crabs left by seagulls

Bad capers: marina swans, not being allowed to see marina swans


Cilla looking out for marina swans