Couriers J and M flew into Sicily’s Catania airport, hopped into a waiting Animalcouriers van, and headed off to meet a family of three dogs and six cats in Malta. We’re transporting the pets from Malta to Hungary — the first time we’ve done this particular trip.

Our ferry from Pazzollo in Sicily to Malta

Our ferry from Pazzollo in Sicily to Malta

Sightseeing in Malta

It’s always a pleasure for couriers J and M to find themselves on Malta, as both have childhood ties to the island. With a bit of spare time before meeting their passengers, our couriers took in some of the sights in and around Valetta.

One of our favourite views of the place

One of our favourite views of the place

The view down one of Valetta's typically narrow, cobbled streets

The view down one of Valetta’s typically narrow, cobbled streets

A small community of houses around the fishing port

A small community of houses around the fishing port

A slightly sinister-looking alms collection box

A slightly sinister-looking alms collection box

There's an abundance of imposing doorways…

There’s an abundance of imposing doorways…

…and intricate metal balconies

…and intricate metal balconies

Glazed balconies are also popular

Glazed balconies are also popular

We were rather disappointed that this toyshop had closed down…

We were rather disappointed that this toyshop had closed down…

 …and faintly alarmed by this gargoyle!

…and faintly alarmed by this gargoyle!

A singular take on the Nativity in the heart of Valetta

A singular take on the Nativity in the heart of Valetta

There are quite a number of stray cats on Malta. Here's how some of them get by — waiting for the catch of the day! The cats have a well fed air about them.

There are quite a number of stray cats on Malta. Here’s how some of them get by — waiting for the catch of the day! The cats have a well fed air about them.

This splendid tabby resides at a clothing store

This splendid tabby resides at a clothing store

An 3D-illustrated cat-themed Maltese proverb — the hasty cat brings forth blind kittens. From which can be inferred: hasty decisions or work done in a hurry often leads to mistakes.

An 3D-illustrated cat-themed Maltese proverb — the hasty cat brings forth blind kittens. From which can be inferred: hasty decisions or work done in a hurry often leads to mistakes.

Another Maltese proverb brought to (semi) life — cut off a pig's tail and he will still be a pig. So, people set in their ways won't change, no matter what.

Another Maltese proverb brought to (semi) life — cut off a pig’s tail and he will still be a pig. So, people set in their ways won’t change, no matter what.

Meeting our passengers

Our nine passengers from Malta belong to Paul and Richard, and Paul’s mum Rosie. The family is relocating to Hungary where they have a farmhouse with lots of land for the pets to enjoy. They’ll keep a base in Malta, too, as Paul and Richard both work there as accountants.

All nine pets — three dogs and six cats — are rescues, who’ve been fortunate enough to find their way to happy lives with Paul, Richard and Rosie.

Richard and Paul with their lively dogs

Richard and Paul with their lively dogs

Handsome JD

Handsome JD

A proper look at JD's splendid ears

A proper look at JD’s splendid ears

Gorgeous Spaniel cross Baileys, named after a certain alcoholic drink

Gorgeous Spaniel cross Baileys, named after a certain alcoholic drink

Cute Border Collie Natty gets a cuddle with Richard…

Cute Border Collie Natty gets a cuddle with Richard…

…and with Paul!

…and with Paul!

Massively affectionate Mellie, who adores everyone

Massively affectionate Mellie, who adores everyone

Mellie's sister Portia, aka the Duchess — because she's so demanding!

Mellie’s sister Portia, aka the Duchess — because she’s so demanding!

Dear George, who was found hanging on a wire outside the SPCA

Dear George, who was found hanging on a wire outside the SPCA

Super tortie Kim

Super tortie Kim

Kim's equally super sister Plum

Kim’s equally super sister Plum

Queenie, who came from a nearby feral colony

Queenie, who came from a nearby feral colony

Paul's mum Rosie, with Plum in the background

Paul’s mum Rosie, with Plum in the background

Leaving Malta

On board the ferry to Messina, Sicily

On board the ferry to Messina, Sicily

A crane disguised as a giraffe in Valetta harbour

A crane disguised as a giraffe in Valetta harbour

Sunset over Valetta as we left

Sunset over Valetta as we left

Crossing the Strait of Messina

Crossing the Strait of Messina

Looking towards Mount Etna shrouded in clouds

Looking towards Mount Etna shrouded in clouds