Animalcouriers stopped in Valencia and had lovely evening beach walks with the dogs. The next day, we continued north towards France, stopping in Barcelona to collect Donnata’s rabbit Elspeth. Donnata is moving to Scotland to work, and was very concerned to make sure Elspeth could go too. So Elspeth is travelling with us, and will homeboard with us in Surrey for a little while, so that Donnata can get to Scotland without worrying about her. We’ll meet up with Donnata in a few weeks’ time for a handover.

In the Girona area we called in to collect Odie at a dog pound in Tossa de Mar. Kate, who lives in Sussex in the UK, is a good friend to these dogs, raising funds for them and finding them new homes. Sensibly she focuses on one dog at a time, at a rate of about one a month. Her daughter lives in Tossa de Mar and is also closely involved. Odie is the latest lucky dog to have been found a new home in the UK.

Last night we stayed near Narbonne, where we hooked up with Jack Russell Jack and Pug Ernie, both of whom are on their way to rejoin their families in the UK.

Freddi and Moma on their way to the beach

Freddi and Moma on their way to the beach

Moma loved the beach — she wanted to run and dash about, but unfortunately we didn't have a long enough lead!

Moma loved the beach — she wanted to run and dash about, but unfortunately we didn’t have a long enough lead!

Moma with her ears up, doing her best impression of a Pharaoh Hound

Moma with her ears up, doing her best impression of a Pharaoh Hound

Freddi would like to be picked up please!

Freddi would like to be picked up please!

Baldrick and Holly were noses to the ground, drinking in all the new smells

Baldrick and Holly were noses to the ground, drinking in all the new smells

Zoillo spotted something in the surf he really wanted to play with

Zoillo spotted something in the surf he really wanted to play with

Rafa spotted it too, and was equally fascinated

Rafa spotted it too, and was equally fascinated

Cute rabbit Elspeth got on board in Barcelona

Cute rabbit Elspeth got on board in Barcelona

Odie enjoying a walk in the evening sunshine in France

Odie enjoying a walk in the evening sunshine in France

Lovely Jack joined our trip in the south of France

Lovely Jack joined our trip in the south of France

Jack and Odie say hello

Jack and Odie say hello

Ernie at the vet, waiting for his parasite treatment. Spot the natty accessory no self-respecting pug should be without!

Ernie at the vet, waiting for his parasite treatment. Spot the natty accessory no self-respecting pug should be without!

Inscrutable Q, very self contained

Inscrutable Q, very self contained

Mieow Mieow shows his handsome face at last!

Mieow Mieow shows his handsome face at last!