Laynie - Issue 131
Laynie: Herder, helper, paddleboarder
Laynie, the SUP pup, dreams of the next
big wave and hanging ten.
Photograph by Kyle Schaefer
Ever since she was a pup, Laynie has provided company and inspiration to her human "pet" Kyle Schaefer. In fine Australian shepherd style, she has herded him through many endeavors. Most recently, they have collaborated on a relatively new project: building wooden stand-up paddleboards in Eliot, Maine, under the name Tidal Roots. It is not uncommon to find Laynie covered in wood shavings after a day spent paw-shaping boards in the shop. She helps with the cleanup as well, by chewing on…err…breaking down any wood scraps that fall her way. While she loves her work, Laynie is always quick to hop aboard for a quick R&R session while Kyle paddles his board in pursuit of striped bass with his fly rod. She has great balance, which helps in her role as head fish herder. She also has figured out how to let Kyle know what she wants: bark once to go fishing, twice to paddle around, and three times to chase those pesky seagulls.