Couriers J and M set off from the UK with five dogs and four cats on board who are joining their families in France and Italy.
Tess and Sausage
Basset Hound Tess and Sausage the Spaniel belong to Steve and his family, who’ve moved to Clermont l’Herault in the Languedoc region of France. We collected the dogs from Rita in Dorset, who took care of them for a few days while the family went on ahead to roll out the red carpet.
What a great pair of characters these two are
Rita told us she would miss having them around
Steve welcoming Tess and Sausage — Sausage grinning with delight
Hatrick and Xaria
Another fine canine pair, Hatrick the Chihuahua and Xaria the Chinese Crested belong to Laura. They’re travelling from Hampshire to Laura’s family in the Bologna area of Italy.
Laura and Darth Vader seeing the dogs away
Xaria is quite a nervous little girl, who took a bit of time to get settled into the routine of the trip. Chinese Cresteds are mostly hairless, hence Xaria’s rather snazzy jumper.
Hatrick is a friendly and confident little fellow who’s very protective of Xaria
Hatrick enjoying a walk by the sea
Xaria taking a few tentative steps towards the water
The whole family turned out to welcome the dogs — here’s Xaria having a hug with Laura’s brother…
…and Laura’s sister Barbra being showered with kisses by Hatrick
Arthur and Issy
Stunning black cat duo Arthur and Issy are travelling with us to Rome, where owner Gaynor and her family are relocating. The family also has a couple of dogs who’ll stay with Gaynor’s sister in the UK for a while longer, as Gaynor will be travelling back and forth quite a bit. It’s not always straightforward with pets, and we always do our best to try and work out a plan to help.
Arthur and Issy, a very bonded pair
Issy shows off her perfect white bib
Is this my best side? wonders handsome Arthur
Gaynor so pleased to receive Arthur and Issy in Rome — she hadn’t seen them for a while and was missing them
Zoom, Mittens and Tesla
Gentle giant Zoom and his feline chums Mittens and Tesla belong to Paolo and family, who are relocating from Derbyshire to Bari.
Zoom is a gorgeous great fellow, one of our more senior passengers
Mittens and Tesla are happy snuggled into their igloos for travelling
Zoom adored walking on the beach. As soon as he saw the sea, there was new life in his slightly elderly legs, and great sparkiness to his demeanour. He more or less dragged us down to the water’s edge, and we stayed out playing and walking with him for a good half an hour.
Zoom was tired out and a bit damp after his extensive romp!
The beach we all enjoyed was just along the coast from glitzy Rapallo. We found a quiet, modestly priced 3-star hotel right by the sea, offering delicious local food, including a simple but perfectly executed pasta with pesto, and the tastiest fresh fish. The hotel even had its own boatyard!
We love mozzarella, especially when it’s made with buffalo milk, but we’d never seen a buffalo. Then we came across a whole herd of these fabulous creatures in Fondi!
Those buffalo look like they are related to water buffalo. Beautiful, they are indeed. But they are not like the great beasts we call buffalo here in the new world. You had a nice load of cute dogs and cats. Tess and Sausage do like like a couple of characters, especially Tess.
Yes, the buffalo in Italy seem to be a rather slimmed down beast compared to water buffalo and your variety!
Ever tempted to move to one of the glorious places you visit?
Ha! We’d be constantly upping sticks 😀
love the name sausage ;o) and I’m a fan of the chinese crested pups… they have something special ;o)))
Sausage is a super name — we do come across some fabulous monikers! Aren’t they gorgeous.
Love Hatrick giving out kisses.
He was such a happy pup!
Aww, what beauties! They are all lovely! Happy Hump Day, sweeties!
Thanks guys!
Stay safe and have a good trip.
It’s a very busy one this time but so far, so good.
That LOOK on the face of Basset hound Tess in the first photo! priceless!!! THE photo of this post (even though the others are beautiful too).
I have a question please: How do cats and dogs travel together when they are not from the same household? ie. cats who are not used to dogs and dogs who are not used to cats?
That’s a great question! Our vans are customised with individual compartments for each pet, or each family group of pets. The compartments have solid sides and are arranged in such a way that pets can’t see into other compartments. That way, everyone stays calm and relaxed on the trip.
Yay Zoom and the kitties are super happy, and Zoom gets to check out his local beach tomorrow! Thank you so much for your super service!!!
Thanks for letting us know they’re all settled! Courier J had the most fun with Zoom on the beach and was amazed by his Zoominess 😀
I think I’d enjoy some time on the beach with Zoom.
Guess you might have the stamina to keep up with the old fellow Clowie 😀
What a beautiful bunch, I love a happy homecoming 🙂
They are a lovely lot! Who can resist a homecoming 😉
I’m also a fan of the name Sausage…..I half expected to see a dachshundt ! Looks like yet again a lot of happy faces and beautiful places combine for a safe passage to home and family for this crew!
Hugs, Pam and Teddy
I think a run on the name is possible after this! We’re very lucky to be able to walk dogs on beaches quite often — they mostly adore it, as do couriers J&M.
I love the name Sausage.
We’re 100% with you on that!