In Dubrovnik, Croatia, couriers J and M made their way to the Dubrovnik Animal Shelter, where five gorgeous dogs were waiting for us.
This is our first of what we hope will be regular trips to the shelter to bring rescue dogs to the UK where new homes are ready and waiting for them. The shelter is working in a very responsible way, in partnership with a small group of volunteers in the UK, and we’re pleased to be playing a part in helping these eminently rehomeable dogs reach their new families.
You can read more about the shelter, and how to help and donate, in this Dubrovnik Times article.
It was a rather damp day as we pulled up
The shelter is located high on a hillside. During the Balkan Conflict, the site was occupied by Serb troops who used it as a vantage point from which to shell Dubrovnik.
The shelter caters for a large number of dogs in search of new homes
Maxi
Maxi was adopted as a youngster, but when his family moved house, they decided they didn’t want him any more. Fortunately the shelter could take him in and find him a new home in the UK.
A goodbye hug for Maxi from Tomo, who works at the shelter every day, feeding, cleaning out and watching over the dogs
Gorgeous Maxi
Aretha and Princess
Inseparable pair Princess and Aretha were taken in by the shelter when their elderly owner had to move into a care home. These two little girls have been house dogs all their lives, and the shelter staff were very worried about them making it through the harsh Croatian winter on the side of a mountain.
A goodbye kiss for Aretha from Tomo
Princess ready to get on board
Princess and Aretha in their bedroom — poor Aretha in particular was shaking from the wet and cold, and so pleased to get into our van
Luka
It was touch and go whether Luka could travel with us, as a vet spent two hours prevaricating over this young pup’s ownership — because when the shelter found him and got him microchipped, the shelter was specified as his owner. The vet’s argument was, how can a shelter own a dog? We couldn’t see the problem ourselves. In the end, the vet agreed, and Luka was able to travel, thank goodness!
Luka gets on board
Adorable young Luka
Lola
Darling Lola was due to fly to her new UK home but was turned away at Dubrovnik airport. We were delighted we could add her to the passenger list for our road trip.
Tomo gives Lola a kiss goodbye
Lola ready for the off
Starting our trip back to the UK
Eventually the rainclouds started to clear and we were treated to the fine view over Dubrovnik’s old town and port that the shelter dogs enjoy — on a sunny day at least.
Croatia is a long narrow country that hugs the Adriatic Coast opposite Italy. It’s interrupted for about five miles by a chunk of Bosnia and Herzegovina — which has the same beautiful scenery and tourist-based economy as Croatia. Unlike Croatia, however, it’s not part of the EU nor of the Pet Passport Scheme. So we needed additional paperwork for the dogs to travel this short distance.
Approaching Neum, the border town between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s also the only town on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tiny coastline, making it the country’s only access to the Adriatic Sea.
In the end, it took only about three seconds to cross the border!
Crossing back into Croatia, we chatted with friendly Croatian customs officers, one of whom had adopted a dog from Dubrovnik
Stopping off to acquire more local produce
So many varieties of honey and preserves to choose from
Now that’s what we call a honey dispenser!
Curious details spotted in the artwork at our hotel — nuns on pedalos…
…and monks rowing tiny catamarans
So very nice to meet you!
We were very much looking forward to meeting everyone in Dubrovnik.
Very interesting post up. Your like button isn’t working on any post up.
Glad you enjoyed it. We’ve made a few changes and hope the like button is viewable now?
Oh what lucky dogs to head off to new homes. They’re all cuties and I’m sure they were happy to be relatively warm in the van!
Pam
It certainly was chilly up on that hill!
Interesting artwork indeed. It looks as though all UK residents are going to enjoy the fun of border paperwork in the not too distant future. I hope they pass through as quickly as your passengers.
Heaven help us all!
Interesting artwork.
Looks like some of your passengers got caught in the rain too, eh?
Yes, the poor things were rather soggy when they boarded.
I have been WAITING for this post! YAY! Rescued Croatian dogs! Hooray! Also, the “like” button is not loading.
We were very keen to see how it all worked and it was relatively simple. Great to see them reach their homes! Done a few tweaks and hope the like button is behaving better now.
Blessed!
They are indeed!
I hope for a wonderful time for all this pups in their new homes… how bad that the hard rain gave you all a free shower ;O)))
So far so very good in their new homes. Yup, that shower was rather mean!
What a heart-warming story of you helping these shelter dogs on the road to a brand new better life. 🙂
I just love how Tomo is obviously very attached and caring of all his dogs. 🙂
A lot of dedicated people were involved finding homes, transport and finances. It all worked well so it’s hopeful we’ll be visiting regularly. They’re very lucky to have Tomo!
It must be very stressful when travel is delayed for any reason.
I hope they’ll all be very happy in their new homes.
There are so many things that can go wrong with pet travel. Luckily we were there just in time.
Meow meow it iss wunder full to meet THE Croatian Five!!! Poor deer Maxi…hwo cuud anyone not take him along?? FISHCAKESS! Butt wee know hee will get a guud mew hime!
Arethan & an Princess are so cute together!
An Misrut Tomo iss a kind man fore sure!
**purrsss** BellaDharma
They are a special bunch indeed!
Pawsum bunch fore sure Miss Annie!
**purrsss**
OMG – these dogs!!!
I would like to have each and every one of them with Pretty and me…although Charly might be less than enthusiastic!
This was a fabulous post…bittersweet as always to see dogs that have lived in someone else’s home for such a long time have a chance to be loved again…safe travels and bless your hearts for what you do!!
Charly might indeed have a few words to say 😉 It was a great start in the rather long road to finding homes for them all.