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 “You need a break”, said my husband, and that’s how it came about that I joined Pat and Dave on their latest trip from Kefalonia to Germany to re-home 12 dogs.
I set off in the camper on Friday morning, with Pat, Dave, Lucky, Bonnie, Happy and Billy.
At Poros I boarded a ferry for the first time ever! All went smoothly and we arrived safely in Killini on the mainland, and then drove Patras, where we met up with another 4 dogs, 3 from Athens and one from Kos. There were two were puppies, a lovely female with only three legs, and a large white dog named Asproula.
Off we went onto another ferry at Rio, heading for Igoumenitsa to meet Mary O’Connor who was bringing three dogs from Thessaloniki and one of hers from Ioannina. One stop en route to walk the dogs and Pat 4 grouse chicks. Dave puts his foot down and says no way are they coming along, so they are settled in a warm box and left for mum to find, we hope!
So now we are three adults and 12 dogs in a camper, somewhat cramped, but everyone is happy and friendly.
Ferry number 3 is now ready for boarding and this time we set off on an overnight trip to Venice.
Now the fun really starts! It’s time to walk the dogs, two each for me and Pat, and lots of kitchen roll for cleaning up! Back and forth we go to the camper where Dave has the next 4 on leads ready to go. It’s amazing how many times you pick up a dog that is not going to go up that step back into the camper. Just about ready for a cup of tea now, covered in dog hairs and ready to sit down, but where? Dogs on all the seats including the front ones, and even in the foot well: “budge up, I want to sit down too!”.
Everyone settled, fed and watered so we 3 two legged creatures go off to explore the boat and have a meal.
First night, and I share my bed with only one dog, (Pat and Dave have two) and sleep remarkably well - considering...
Up early, and walk the dogs - no little puddles or surprises in the camper, still lots of jostling for prime seating positions, puppy wins every time!
Arrive in Venice in thick mist and set off on the motorway for the rest of the journey, which will take us eventually to Aachen.
Stop at an Italian service station for a fuel and quick pit stop for us - elegant Italian ladies everywhere, and two ‘old bag ladies’ from Kefalonia.
The first drop-off point is at Wurzburg where we meet Gisela and hand over the two dogs for her, then on to a friend’s house to drop off the 4 dogs that she is to take care of until they are collected.
Last call for the day is at Gaby’s to leave Bonnie and Lucky. Lucky is being collected by her new owners - they have been anxiously waiting for her since last October.
Next day in Aachen, we hand over the four that are travelling on to the UK.
This final part completed, we retrace our route back to pick up some goodies, dog food, etc. to bring back with us. The generosity of the German people is mind boggling, and it’s a real struggle to squeeze all the goodies in!
That was the best ‘break’ I have ever had, lovely dogs, friendly, generous, caring people, amazing scenery, new experiences and the company of two very dedicated people who took great care of all the dogs and me, and made me laugh.
Thank you Pat and Dave, I had no idea just what hard work these trips are!
Still, I look forward to moving cages and walking dogs and getting smelly and covered in dog hairs again when I next need a ‘break’.
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