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
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
The view down one of Valetta’s typically narrow, cobbled streets
A small community of houses around the fishing port
A slightly sinister-looking alms collection box
There’s an abundance of imposing doorways…
…and intricate metal balconies
Glazed balconies are also popular
We were rather disappointed that this toyshop had closed down…
…and faintly alarmed by this gargoyle!
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.
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.
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
Handsome JD
A proper look at JD’s splendid ears
Gorgeous Spaniel cross Baileys, named after a certain alcoholic drink
Cute Border Collie Natty gets a cuddle with Richard…
…and with Paul!
Massively affectionate Mellie, who adores everyone
Mellie’s sister Portia, aka the Duchess — because she’s so demanding!
Dear George, who was found hanging on a wire outside the SPCA
Super tortie Kim
Kim’s equally super sister Plum
Queenie, who came from a nearby feral colony
Paul’s mum Rosie, with Plum in the background
Leaving Malta
On board the ferry to Messina, Sicily
A crane disguised as a giraffe in Valetta harbour
Sunset over Valetta as we left
Crossing the Strait of Messina
Looking towards Mount Etna shrouded in clouds
we wish all 9 a super good time with AC :o) malta is stunning somehow, I always thought I will meet a kight in armour or a damsel on the streets, it is like living a little in medieval times ;O)
It does feel set in another time and place, always something ancient to find around the next corner.
Malta looks an absolutely fascinating place to explore.
A pleasant trip to all!
Everyone should visit. Stunning place.
This post was a bit different than the usual – excellent photos!!
So much to see in Malta and it’s very photogenic!
Loved your pics, as always. What a greAt group of pups and kits!
They are a super bunch and are moving to a great new home.
Branching out for our couriers! Brilliant!!
How wonderful these rescues have made it into a fabulous home of loving peeps…I love them all…As Always, safe journeys…
They love returning to Malta but the next bit of the trip is what they’ve been getting quite excited about…!
Oh, my gosh, Georgie! What a story!
Yup, kind of makes your toes curl!
I’ve always wanted to go to Malta. Your photos reinforced my desire, AC. My thanks to Paul and Richard and their care for rescues. As for Baileys, theres a bottle on our shelf in Puerto Vallarta for our evening treat! 🙂 –Curt
You wouldn’t regret it Curt, a wonderful place. Enjoy that Baileys!
Love the photos.
Thanks, such a great place to take pics.
Thank you for the very nice Maltese views.
Hard to edit down all we had.
What splendid photos and a really great family who makes a big move together……wonderful post. All of the animals look very happy – and I’m sure that’s because they LOVE their caretakers and wherever THEY go, they all go TOGETHER.
Pam and Teddy too
This family is indeed a very happy one and it looks like every one of them will be happy in their new home.
What a great place! Malta is now on the list to go 😀 Great pictures too, Annie 🙂 The kitties have stolen our hearts, but the doggies are very special too. Just one more thing: Thank you so much for coming to my Pawty. Hope you had a lot of fun, just like me 😀 Extra Pawkisses for a wonderful day and safe journey ahead
Do go if you can, it’s quite splendid. Hey, you do great parties – how could we miss it 😀
Damn. I bet that toy store was cracker! Malta looks like a cool place to visit!!
PR
We would have loved to have seen inside it! Malta is fabulous.
Meow meow what a storey ’bout all thee 4 leggedss an their Hu’manss!! Safe travelss efurryone!
An Sunset over Valetta sounds like a row-mance bookie, MOL!!!
**purrsss** BellaDharma
Isn’t it a lovely story! Must remember that as a book title 😀
Toe-tallee Miss Annie…you cuud rite a lovey story!!! 🙂
I was really touched by your pictures of those dogs. Wow, what a precious gift dogs and cats are to all of us! 🙂
They are a joyous bunch and a very lucky family of pets. They are indeed a precious gift!