As couriers J and M were leaving Croatia, courier Gwen set off from the UK. The two Animalcouriers vans met up in Bologna in Italy.

Late-night rendezvous in Bologna

Late-night rendezvous in Bologna

On the trip from Hungary and Croatia to Italy, the temperatures ranged from plus 15C to minus 2C. We also experienced thunder, lightning, rain, sleet, sun, clouds, light breezes and, finally, snow!

On the trip from Hungary and Croatia to Italy, the temperatures ranged from plus 15C to minus 2C. We also experienced thunder, lightning, rain, sleet, sun, clouds, light breezes and, finally, snow!

Couriers J and M transferred the five hounds from Croatia to courier Gwen for their onward journey to the UK. Courier Gwen, meanwhile, handed couriers J and M two Lurchers, Jim and Weasel, who had travelled with her from the UK. The dogs’ final destination is Crete. Yes, that’s right. From Italy, Couriers J and M were heading to Greece. We’ll tell you about that trip separately. But first, meet the pets who travelled with courier Gwen.

Jim and Weasel

Lovely Lurchers Jim and Weasel belong to Helen and David. We collected them from Burntwood Kennels, then travelled with them via Eurotunnel to Italy. The dogs enjoyed the beautiful Alpine scenery along the way.

Jim and Weasel out on a walk near Stuttgart in Germany

Jim and Weasel out on a walk near Stuttgart in Germany

A clue that the holiday season is almost upon us — a major transport of Christmas trees in Germany

A clue that the holiday season is almost upon us — a major transport of Christmas trees in Germany

Alf

About 10 days ago, couriers J and M met gorgeous ginger tabby Alf in Catania, Sicily. He was due to fly with courier Mike to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, and continue his trip to the UK from there by road.

Courier Mike queueing to check in with Alf

Courier Mike queueing to check in with Alf

However, Alf couldn’t be accepted onto the flight because the handlers in Rome were unable to accommodate him. So couriers J and M dashed back inside the departures hall to retrieve Alf from courier Mike. As couriers J and M were about to head off to Malta, they returned Alf to Shauna, who had been looking after him on behalf of owner Anna and family.

Courier M with Shauna and Alf

Courier M with Shauna and Alf

Darling Alf. Like many ginger tabbies he's a very friendly and laid back fellow. Except when it comes to food, where he's quite the fusspot! So he turned his nose up at a sachet of lamb and veg wet food offered him as a special treat, preferring to stick to his usual dry food instead.

Darling Alf. Like many ginger tabbies he’s a very friendly and laid back fellow. Except when it comes to food, where he’s quite the fusspot! So he turned his nose up at a sachet of lamb and veg wet food offered him as a special treat, preferring to stick to his usual dry food instead.

On their way back from Malta, couriers J and M collected Alf from Shauna and took him with them to Italy, where they entrusted him to Rosella, a cat sitter in Florence.

Rosella delighted to welcome Alf for a short stay

Rosella delighted to welcome Alf for a short stay

Alf keeping an eye on everything

Alf keeping an eye on everything

On her way back to the UK, courier Gwen stopped by to collect Alf from Rosella. At last he was on his way to be reunited with his family in Hampshire!

Courier Gwen reports that Alf enjoyed sitting up on top of his cat box inside his bedroom

Courier Gwen reports that Alf enjoyed sitting up on top of his cat box inside his bedroom

Anna welcomes Alf home

Anna welcomes Alf home

Everyone wants to give darling Alf a cuddle

Everyone wants to give darling Alf a cuddle

Bob

Super Labrador Bob belongs to Christine and Peter. We collected him in Barga, Italy, for his journey to Yorkshire. He’s a lively fellow who loves his walks and was very obedient about jumping in and out of the van.

An evening outing at our Alpine hotel

An evening outing at our Alpine hotel

A rest stop in France with Bob

A rest stop in France with Bob

Bob reaches his North Yorkshire home

Bob reaches his North Yorkshire home

Panda

Pomeranian Panda joined us in Switzerland. This well loved little cutie travelled with us to London.

Panda arrives to join the trip. Note her matching harness and lead!

Panda arrives to join the trip. Note her matching harness and lead!

Here she is all snuggled up in a cosy bed for the journey

Here she is all snuggled up in a cosy bed for the journey

Reunion for Panda in London

Aretha, Princess, Maxi, Luka and Lola

These five hounds from Croatia enjoyed the journey from Italy with courier Gwen. They spent a night in the French Alps, staying near Geneva, then motored on to Calais the next day. On reaching the UK, they received very warm welcomes from their new families and hosts. Annie, one of the UK volunteers who helped organise the dogs’ transport, wrote to say:

“Thank you and your team for all your hard work. Not only did you deliver them safely, but they were all remarkably happy and bright! It’s obvious they have been well cared for. Thank you!”

Gorgeous Terrier Maxi out walking 

Gorgeous Terrier Maxi out walking

Cool hand Luka — part Dachshund, part basketball player!

Cool hand Luka — part Dachshund, part basketball player!

Luka back down to earth

Luka back down to earth

A soulful look from sweet-natured Lola

A soulful look from sweet-natured Lola

Bonded, lovable and loving pair Aretha and Princess

Bonded, lovable and loving pair Aretha and Princess

Love at first sight for Lola at her new home with Rose in Wiltshire

Love at first sight for Lola at her new home with Rose in Wiltshire

Maxi arriving at his new home with a very excited Beverley in Hampshire

Maxi arriving at his new home with a very excited Beverley in Hampshire

Aretha and Princess warm and dry at home with Annie

Aretha and Princess warm and dry at home with Annie