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A Spanish road trip with my rescue dog

A Spanish road trip with my rescue dog

When we fostered Vinnie during the first lockdown back in March 2020, I never imagined we would be driving through Spain with him two–and-a-half-years later. 

But, handing over the keys to the new owners of what was our first home coincided with the end of my contract role (plus the fact our friends were currently living in Spain) – it became an opportunity we couldn’t refuse. 

We packed up my mini, strapped in Vinnie and set off for the Eurotunnel over to Calais. Nearly 10 hours and 700 miles (with a few stopovers) later and we arrived at our first stop in Spain – San Sebastian. From here we would make our way down to Seville, followed by Zahora where we would then follow the coastline to Valencia – our final stop for Christmas Day. 

Fancy driving through Europe with your four-legged friend? Here’s what you need to know. 

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10 reasons to foster a dog

10 reasons to foster a dog

As a result of the cost of living crisis, rehoming centres are seeing an increase in dogs being handed over while at the same time there is a decrease in adoptions. More and more people are worried about how they are going to put food on the table for themselves let alone in their dog’s bowl. 

Dogs Trust has had record numbers wanting to rehome their dog. While in June, a YouGov survey for the RSPCA found that 78% of owners thought the crisis would affect their pet with 19% worried about how they would feed them. 

Are you wondering how you can help? In March 2020 we fostered a dog for the first time during lockdown and now, foster carers are needed more than ever. For dog lovers it has just as many benefits for you as it does for the pup. So here’s why, if you can, you should consider doing it too. 

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Tips for taking your pooch on a dog-friendly city break

Edinburgh

Alongside many others, we have spent much more time exploring the UK over the last couple of years. A big benefit of this is being able to take our pooch with us. Alongside glamping in Norfolk and staying above a cosy country pub in the Peak District, we also went on a few city breaks. 

In July we went on the train to London for a long weekend to celebrate my birthday. Then, towards the end of the month, we replaced a cancelled festival with a road trip to Edinburgh – stopping at York for a night on the way to break up the journey – and the edge of the North York Moors on the way back.

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PETA and Staffies: why the call to eradicate the breed has to end

Staffie

Once again PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) – a charity that claims to protect animals, is pushing for Staffordshire Bull Terriers – a loyal, loving family dog, to be eradicated. 

In 2018, during a government consultation of the Dangerous Dog Act 1991, the charity called for Staffies to be added to it claiming, at the time, that it was, ‘best for the dog.’ If they had been, it would have made it illegal to own the breed in the UK. 

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8 questions to ask yourself before getting a dog

Vinnie

Along with many others, we got a dog at the start of lockdown. Not knowing what was to follow and naively thinking we may only work from home for a matter of weeks, we initially fostered him. However, a few months later, after much thought and consideration as to whether he would fit into our life post-pandemic, we decided to adopt him. 

In March last year, rescue centres were rehoming dogs faster than ever before. The Sunday before lockdown, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home alone had 1200 applications. Likewise, according to Dogs Trust, during the first month of restrictions, searches for ‘buy a puppy’ were up 120%. This high demand for them resulted in prices being more than doubled – but this didn’t deter those looking for a lockdown companion. 

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