on the road with Animalcouriers

Animalcouriers set off from the UK to Greece via France and Italy with gorgeous dogs and cats on board. We were lucky enough to have a few of them staying with us for a couple of nights beforehand, too.

One of our house guests was Hector, a handsome black Cocker Spaniel from south London. He’s off to join his owners who’ve relocated to the Paris area — they’ve gone on ahead to get everything ready for his arrival. Hector has unbelievable ball skills, and managed to keep a three-year-old boy amused for hours. Hector is a real joy to have around, always bouncy and happy and waggy tailed.

Best pals Harvey and Macchia have also been staying with us. This Black Lab and Italian Pointer travelled down from Cheshire and are off to Italy where owner Sally and her husband have a second home. Both are rescue dogs: Macchia found Sally when she was on one of her trips to Italy — Macchia is very attached to humans and loves cuddles. Harvey was attacked by another dog so he’s a little anxious on the lead, but loves playing ball almost as much as Hector.

Seven-year-old Iorek, a beautiful light-coloured German Shepherd dog is traveling with us from Birmingham back to Milan. His owner Isabella is still in England, so her sister Nadia will be waiting to roll out the red carpet. Iorek is travelling really well, despite Isabella’s fears he could be travel sick.

British Blue cats Willow and Teddy are relocating with their owners Nicky and David from Surrey to Brittany. Despite their slightly haughty demeanour, they are very confident, friendly cats. We’re sure they’ll love the countryside and open spaces that will be at their back door, and that they’ll become country cats in no time.

Black-and-white Tubbo is travelling with us from southern England to Arezzo in Italy to join his family, who’re already on their way there by car with their dog. In his younger days he was inclined to portliness, which is how he acquired his name. Now, however, he’s a fine figure of a cat and sports a splendid set of whiskers‎. One of the reasons his family asked us to transport him is because he makes a lot of noise in the car. We must say, however, that we’ve barely heard a peep from him. This may well be because travelling in our van is a very different experience from the car journeys most cats are used to, which involve going to the vet in a small cat carrier, with a view of the world rushing past the window. This can be rather disconcerting for them so, next time you take your cat to the vet, try draping a cloth over the carrier to help him or her to stay calm.

Almost identical Beagles Bertie and Ted seem to operate as a single unit. They’re relocating from Cheshire to the Naples area, where they will doubtless waste no time putting their noses to the ground to show off their sniffing and snuffling skills to the locals. Owner Robert has gone on ahead and is really looking forward to being reunited with his dogs. However they’ll be very much missed by his Mum and Dad who’ve been doing a great job of dog sitting.

Little Beau is a typical friendly Staffie who loves people. We met her just hours before the trip set off and there’s little doubt we’ll be best friends with her by the time we reach Piraeus port in Athens, which is where we’re meeting up with her owners Kate and family. They’ve relocated from London to beautiful Rhodes, which will be a very different place indeed for them all to live. ‎

Hector can throw as well as catch the ball. Here he is waiting patiently for help to get the ball out from under a cupboard.

Hector and his three-year old friend sharpen their ball skills

The promise of a treat enabled us to get all three of our houseguests in one shot, along with housedog Pugsley (aka Superbeast). Pugsley is at the back, then Harvey, Macchia and Hector at the front. So keen, even the balls were put down!

Hector enjoys a sunny walk

Harvey is the senior dog on this trip and likes to keep everyone in order

Macchia is very affectionate and loves a fuss

Courier Mike with handsome floofy Iorek

A closer look at that noble head

Iorek posing by the broad beans

Gorgeous Willow, looking just a tad grumpy at being woken up for a photoshoot

Willow decides to grin and bear it

Willow’s equally gorgeous companion, Teddy

Storm welcomes Willow and Teddy to their new home in Brittany

Tubbo shows us his fine markings

Now that’s what I call whiskers!

Cheeky chappies Bertie and Ted Beagle

You get the impression they’re constantly plotting mischief behind your back!

Pretty tri-colour Staffie Beau — the sunshine brings out her lovely markings

Oversize seagull spotted by courier M on his recent travels