Reunions in the UK for our European passengers; and Cherry has a new home

Many of the passengers from the latest Animalcouriers trip from southern Europe have reached their UK homes. German Shepherd Dog TomTom, who joined us in Portugal, is now back with his owner Chris. TomTom is still quite a youngster and very bouncy and tuggy on his walks. We improvised a ‘haltie’ from his lead and used training treats from Harringtons to get him used to the routine of going on the lead. These tasty treats were critical to the process — so thank you, Harringtons!

Julia came to collect her ginger kitten Kyle. This was a holiday romance in Ibiza — having found this very young kitten, Julia couldn’t leave him behind. Care4Cats helped to find him a foster home until he was ready to travel to the UK.

And finally, Debi’s dad Alan came to collect the family’s two cats Cerys and Dylan, and terrapins Odin and Thor, who travelled with us from Portugal.

Meanwhile, courier S set off to deliver pets elsewhere in the UK. The first to be welcomed home was pretty little cat Boneca. We arrived so early, her owner was still in bed! But there was great excitement when she realised it was her darling Boneca at the door, not the postman!

The next happy reunion with between Pacino and his ‘granddad’ in the Midlands. These two are great running partners and were delighted to be back together. The reunion was due to be complete later in the day when the rest of the family got back from work and school.

Huge excitement shattered the serenity of the Yorkshire Moors when Hendrix, Shakira and Jake were reunited with Paul and Kate near Hebden Bridge. All five immediately set off for a long walk through the moors, which are right on their back doorstep, lucky things!

Brady was back with his owners a day earlier than expected — they landed at Edinburgh airport yesterday evening and the timing was perfect for a late-night reunion, and for Brady to continue his journey to Fife with them.

Young Doberman Dobby joined our trip at Wigan. Following a relationship split, his owner made the difficult decision to have him rehomed, as he wasn’t getting the one-to-one attention a pup like him needs. Fortunately a Doberman rescue group in Scotland has already found this fine young fellow a super new home.

We’ve also received news of chipmunk Piccola, who travelled with us from Portugal a month ago. Pam and Dario, Piccola’s owners, wrote to say: “As we promised, pictures of Piccola settled at home. Like always she is the centre of the attention: all our neighbours are stopping by to greet her!”

And from Kiki at the Fillozoikos Shelter in Greece, we heard the great news that young dog Cherry, who recently had surgery for a broken leg, has found her forever home.

Exuberant TomTom is reunited with his owners

A very happy Julia with young Kyle

Alan getting ready for the three-hour drive back to Wales with cats and terrapins

Cerys and Dylan, all set for the journey

Boneca, who enjoyed a great chin rub before we set off

Pacino reunited with his running partner

Hendrix, Shakira and Jake, back with Paul and Kate

Late-night reunion for Brady with Marilynn and Daniel at Edinburgh airport

Young Doberman Dobby enjoys the winter sunshine

One of an extraordinary group of stone sculptures spotted at a service station

Piccola enjoying one of her favourite treats — a juicy raspberry!

Young pup Cherry with her new owner