The last stop for Animalcouriers on the trip back from Portugal was at a working wine domaine near Auxerre, in the Burgundy region of France. Couriers J and M immersed themselves in the table d’hôte experience and enjoyed tasting the fantastic wines produced at the domaine: a rosé to start, a crisp white to accompany the artisan meat pie, a pinot noir with the main, and a spicier version with pudding.

The family who run the domaine invited us to park our van and walk the dogs within the vintners yard. They watched over us as we prepared the pets for a safe and secure overnight stay.

Once back in the UK, reunions started. Ziollo and Meiow Meiow from Spain arrived at their new home in Hove, where owner Sue was waiting anxiously for them. Odie, also from Spain, was delivered to Kate, who’s been raising money for his rescue and rehoming. He went up to her like a long lost friend and jumped up all waggy tailed. Kate thinks‎ she may have already met his sister, too.

Gorgeous Abyssinian Baboushka has been homeboarding with us since we collected her in France last month. When her owners Fiona and Richard called in to collect her, she gave them a rapturous greeting.

The delightful wine domaine at Auxerre

The delightful wine domaine at Auxerre

Even the drainpipes were in keeping with the general theme!

Even the drainpipes were in keeping with the general theme!

Ziollo and Meiow Meiow back with Sue

Ziollo and Meiow Meiow back with Sue

Odie meets Kate in Sussex

Odie meets Kate in Sussex

Richard and Fiona delighted to collect Baboushka

Richard and Fiona delighted to collect Baboushka

Baboushka gave them such an enthusiastic greeting

Baboushka gave them such an enthusiastic greeting

Jack Russell Jack from France is homeboarding with us for a little while. He's already best mates with housedog Pugsley!

Jack Russell Jack from France is homeboarding with us for a little while. He’s already best mates with housedog Pugsley!