Animalcouriers left the UK from Portsmouth on the overnight ferry to St Malo in northern France. From there we’ll head towards Italy and then on to Greece.
Checking pet passports at Portsmouth
A beautiful sunset as we sail away
Once everyone was walked, fed, and tucked up for the night, it was time for a beer
We caught a final view of the sun as it sank below the horizon
Clifford, Georgie, Squash and Coco
Genine’s dog Clifford and cats Georgie and Squash are travelling with us to Greece. Everyone’s spending the summer at the family home in Paros. Genine’s sister Lolly and her family, along with Cocker Spaniel Coco, will also be there.
It’s been quite an operation getting the whole family to Greece. Genine left for Paros last week, so is ready to welcome everyone. Lolly is still in England, and was on hand to see the dogs on their way. The cats waited for the off at Burntwood Kennels and Cattery near our office, where they had their bags packed and ready when we arrived to collect them.
Handsome fluffball Clifford
Black-and-white Georgie is a laid-back chap. Taking it easy and hoping no-one expects him to take a turn behind the wheel! He’s doubtless looking forward to warmer weather in Greece than we’ve been having in the UK.
The airlines wouldn’t allow Squash to fly as he’s a Scottish Fold. The upside for us is that we get to have Squash and the rest of the animal family travel with us!
Both cats like to keep a close eye on what’s going on around them
Coco enjoyed a brilliant walk along a very pretty piece of Brittany coastline this morning, before we got under way
Coco, Clifford and couriers M and J all agreed it was a super view
Daisy
Daisy’s owner Carol has left England for a spell in Italy, high in the mountains above Genoa. Carol was very anxious about leaving Daisy who, like all our passengers, is a much loved pet.
Daisy had a great walk this morning, but because she’s quite small, the grasses covered her head. That made it tricky to get a photo of her, so here she is in her bedroom.
Zelda
Gorgeous Staffie Zelda is travelling with us from Sunderland to Ioanina in northern Greece. Owner Orestis is sending her to live with his parents. It was a sad goodbye, but Orestis knows Zelda will be very happy with her grandparents.
Lovely Zelda enjoying the fresh air
What a bunch of lovelies!
And great characters too!
Oh my – all on their way to a summer home with their families…..how wonderful is that?!
Hugs, Sammy
We love it when families go on extended holidays and take their pets too!
Beautiful Squash looks a bit like Mr. Bowie, kinda…
We were struck by that too.
Beautiful photos
Makes a difference when the sun shines!
I love this blog however I have a question. Why would the airlines not allow Squash to fly because of his breed? Do Scottish Folds have a problem with their ears and pressure, ergo, flying isn’t comfortable for them? Just curious. I found your blog through “Red Man”, Sheila Morris’s furbaby. Sure miss him and his viewpoints on happenings :). Thank You
Hi Betsy, thanks for your kind words. We were surprised too! If you look closely Squash is between a snub nosed cat and a standard nosed cat. Not as flat across the face as some cats, but brachycephalic in shape. Which is a shortened air passage from the nose to the lungs. When these cats and dogs become stressed or the air is rarified they can experience difficulty breathing and can die. This is why airlines don’t accept them.
Red Man is missed by many but it’s great news that they have a new member of the family!
Have a great trip. Look forward to seeing you on Sunday! Sarah and Kookie
Beautiful photos!
Thanks for answering the question about Squash the Scottish Fold. I was going to ask that one, but someone did already. Yes, he does look a bit like Mr. Bowie!
Thank you, that is so interesting because I am going to take my Tibetan Spaniel to Paros. Do you think the noses of that breed are too short for air travel?
So lovely ! Seems you have a great trips! thanks for sharing with us!