Meet Bailey a real Sea Dog of the USCG

It is no secret, I really like dogs.  Let me rephrase for accuracy.  A dog obsession.

(Bailey indulges me by posing for the camera.  Notice his little lawn box)

Recently, I received permission to board a USCG cutter (another fun work day) and saw a little box with artificial grass on the deck.  I commented it was the smallest putting green I had ever seen.   

No, Ma'am that's for our dog.  

Dog? You mean as in USCG mascot? I exclaimed.  

Affirmative Ma'am.

 

The crew must have of thought I had few screws loose by my level of excitement. Well, maybe I do but, the U.S. Coast  Guard doesn't really need to know that small detail do they?  Good let's keep that between us.

 USCG mascots hold a special place in my heart.

The most famous I've written about (and everyone else has too) was

"Sinbad" 

Sinbad may have been taken aboard as a mascot but, ended up

with a service record as true as any "Coastie" he served with 

from manning battle stations to standing watch on the bridge.

During his career he caused international disturbances
and was demoted in rank a few times.
Sinbad still managed to earn five theatre ribbons for his time at sea.

Sinbad served eleven years on the "Campbell" before retiring to lifeboat station duty

Bailey was found resting below and commanded on deck.
When I asked if he aspired to "Sinbad's" career
he responded with a big yawn.

I guess, that is a "No".

Wrinkling his nose at hearing "sit and stay"

Bailey was such a gentlemen he escorted us up
the gang plank and saw us off.