on the road with Animalcouriers

While courier Gwen set off from our Italian meeting point with pets heading to the UK, courier J and M made their way to Greece. Lurchers Jim and Weasel, travelling to Crete, were on board; and a host of UK-bound passengers awaited us in Athens.

For the trip back to the UK, we were joined by courier Matthew from GoFetch. Here he is with courier M, at a meeting of the Club Sandwich club.

Jim and Weasel

This delightful duo, who had travelled from the UK with courier Gwen, were great company. When we reached mainland Greece, our great friend and helper Akis, who operates a pet taxi service, delivered them to owners Helen and David, who wrote to say:

“Just to let you know that Jim and Weasel have arrived safely at their new home. Please pass on our grateful thanks to all the members of your team who contributed to the boys’ care and transportation. We’d have no hesitation in recommending your service to anyone who needs it!”

Jim and Weasel enjoying a walk on the beach

Hagrid

This gentle giant, a Moscow Watchdog, is a rescue dog from Lesvos. He’s been adopted by Tinna.

Tinna travelled to Greece to get him ready for the journey

Hagrid weighs in at over 60kg, so it’s a good job he’s such a good-natured fellow

Bella

Bella was originally due to travel on our last trip from Greece, but there was an error in her passport, which meant she couldn’t travel — much to the dismay of owner Stelios and family. Six weeks later, all is in order and she’s ready to get on board. Bella’s grandma was kind enough to bake us a delicious cake, too!

Thumbs up as courier M checks Bella’s passport

Beautiful Bella will soon be reunited with her family in London

Goodbye hugs and kisses

Lincoln

Lovely Lincoln, an English Bulldog, arrived with his grandma Avrilla. He’s on his way to London to rejoin owner Alexia.

Avrilla brings Lincoln (and his big bed) to join our trip

What a handsome fellow he is!

Drako

Adorable Rottweiler Drako is travelling with Animalcouriers to Hertfordshire.

Showing his fine profile

Drako is a friendly chap

Such an expressive face

Billy and Siba

Silver tabby Billy and ginger tabby Siba belong to Marianthi and family, who are relocating to the UK for work. Both cats are gentle and friendly.

Darling Billy

Gorgeous Siba

Ahmad, Marvel and Bob Marley

These three gorgeous rescue hounds travelled with us on behalf of Starlight Barking Trust, who are rehoming them in the UK.

Soulful Ahmad

Cutie Marvel

Dear Bob Marley

Myrsine

This delightful girl has lived at the Filozoikos Shelter in Athens for six years. Her new owner is Maureen, who used to walk Myrsine when she volunteered at the shelter. When Maureen’s previous dog died, she asked the shelter if she could adopt Myrsine — and of course they said yes! So now Myrsine is on her way to her forever home with Maureen in the UK.

Myrsine arrived with Aspasia and Kiki from Filozoikos. It was a pleasure to meet Aspasia and to catch up with Kiki, who we hadn’t seen for a while.

Myrsine has splendid markings

Myrsine sporting a beautiful ‘going-away’ bow. Martha makes one of these bows for every dog who leaves the shelter.

On the ferry

On our ferry from Patras in Greece to Bari in Italy, the staff were busy getting everything decked out for Christmas.

Decorating the tree

The hard work pays off

An innovative way to light the bar