Latest update on Maddie, one of our rescue tail dogs.
“A big hello from me, Maddie, just back to normal following my latest adventure. At the beginning of August there was a flurry of activity in the house, the Dad was up in the loft getting all the “summer stuff” down for the caravan, which I went up to the Army barracks with him to collect. It’s great fun up there to walk as there are loads of rabbits and a huge open space to run about in, I even had a go on the assault course!
Then we went to Smart pets and had a severe haircut I thought it was too short but Tracy said it was for the best as where we were going was very hot.
I have to say I tried to help with packing the van but Mum just said I got in the way, my passport was packed and on the 4th of August we set off for Dover. When we got to Dover we went to Auntie Jacqui’s house she had made dinner for Dad, Mum and Joe, we had a lovely walk with them and then I had my dinner before we headed for the port. At the port we were waved straight onto the boat which Mum was worried about as I had not had my insulin, but in the end it was done on the car deck and I settled into the caravan for a well-earned sleep while the boat set off for Calais. There were lots of weird noises on the car deck, and car alarms going off all the time I was glad when the caravan door opened and I could get back in the car.
In France we drove for a little while and then pulled over in what they called “camping Aldi” and slept overnight. Then the adventure began. 2 nights in France on the way down to Spain and when we got to L’Estartit. The camp site was really interesting, and had some fabulous smells, it’s called El Molino (which means The Windmill), the family have been holidaying here for 41 years!
The camp was set up and we settled into a lovely routine of early breakfast and walk for Toby and I, then usually a trip into the local town, I had to learn to get in and out of the bike trailer (which was a bit scary the first time) but I soon got used to it. Really funny to see the locals surprised to see “dos perros” in the trailer instead of children, but then I am discovering that this new home is rather adventurous.
There is a special “dog beach” where there were loads of other dogs from all over the world. We went there every day either to the beach, or if the wind was strong to the River Ter. This is where I demonstrated my swimming skills, and also my digging skills; I wanted to stay in the water all day, so when tied up to rest I managed to dig the stake out the ground at the beach, so that I could run back into the sea.
We also went kayaking down the River Ter, had an Open Crazy Golf Tournament at MontPla which Dad won. I was also allowed to go to several restaurants, they are much more relaxed about dogs going out for dinner in France and Spain. I watched Mum go on a horse;- don’t know why she would want to do that, they are so big and a bit scary.
After 19 days at El Molino it was time to pack up and say goodbye for another year, however a quick trip to the vet was called for to sign our passports. This was my first holiday abroad and it was fantastic, swimming and being in Spain. We had cool coats to keep us protected from the heat and we slept outside at night where it was cooler, and those things called Cicadas made funny noises all night long.
We are back at home now, I’ve been back to the vets for a check-up and had some blood taken to check that my diabetes is under control. Here are some pictures of me on holiday. Be in touch soon, Woof Woof Maddie.