Anyway, one of my latest purchases is a Flotation Jacket for Shantee. She was so excited trying it on, knowing fully well that “dressing up” means “going out.” But not this time!

Because this time the Flotation Jacket will be reserved for out-of-town trips, specifically swimming! My husband and I are currently training Shantee for air travel (hopefully, she’ll be ready to ride a plane so we can visit tropical islands in the Philippines not easily reached by car with our fur-baby).

The flotation jacket comes in with a detachable flap from the dog’s neck (not in photo), which is very handy in keeping the dog’s head pointed upwards. Pretty important in Shantee’s case, she’s of a flat-nosed breed (she’s a Shih Tzu). She needs to keep her head afloat because water can easily get into her short snout.

We purchased the flotation jacket for Shantee from the same Australian distributor of Doggles, Modpet Australia, where we got Shantee’s sun glasses. The jacket costs AUS$39.95, but I insisted on paying an additional of AUS$19.95 for registered mail. We ordered Shantee’s flotation jacket during the Holiday season, which was a high time for corrupted customs officials at the Manila airport. The extra amount ensured that we didn’t pay ridiculously high tariff rates (with “Christmas bonus”) for the officials “interpreting” tariff laws on their own. I was able to purchase Shantee’s jacket easily through Modpet Australia’s online store via Paypal.

Marc and I are planning to go on a trip to the beach soon so Shantee can try out her flotation jacket. We’re considering taking her to a beach resort in Batangas since going there doesn’t require air travel. Shantee’s already mastered car travel, so we won’t have any more problems except for looking for a pet-friendly resort who will accommodate our entire family—which includes Shantee

This little fashion pooch belonged to one of the Boracay locals we saw hanging out with their pets at the beach. I couldn’t remember her name, nor do I know her breed, but this little girl sure knows what it’s like to live in high fashion at the beach!

The flamboyant collar the dog was wearing seemed to be made from a person’s old belt, while her shirt seemed to have been made from an infant’s shirt. The collar itself is a bit too much for my Shantee’s taste (hehe), but the “beach style” makeshift dog shirt just goes perfectly with the dog’s dark fur. The stretchable cloth of the shirt is perfect for the beach—the clingy material would make it easy for the dog if she decided to take dip in the sea, kind of like a bathing suit a human wears.

Ah. The things people come up with to dress up their pooch!