I've just had the weekend from hell and I blame myself

[The Dudess]

Totally gorgeous - very pleased for you.

 

[roadster55]

View attachment 118735 So pleased to read your news, he is gorgeous and cute and I am sure you two are going to have such happy times together. I am jumping up and down as so exited for you. Who cares about Chateaux?
And from Margaret Green Rescue as well..........

Yes, was it you that mentioned Margaret Green Rescue awhile back? Very impressed with their set-up and lovely staff too. Once it was obvious that Charlie and I had bonded they basically said you can take him home with you now - we shan't need to do a home check! I got my food and toys from their shop, and have set up a regular food order which will be delivered. I could get it cheaper, but I feel that they have been so good to me that I should support them rather than a commercial business.

I'm going to put the trip back by maybe a couple of weeks so there's plenty of time for his passport to get sorted, but also because it'll be a bit cooler. Then we'll do N. France first and by the time we wander down South it'll be getting towards October time I should think. It seems the only places you can't take a dog in France is inside the Chateau that are furnished, otherwise according to their tourism office no problems anywhere with a dog on a lead. So Roman/Celtic sites, castle ruins and the Bastide fortified villages also no worries. Enough there for a lifetime methinks. I've amended the ferry crossings to Poole and Cherbourg both ways as the Roscoff to Plymouth crossing is too long.

TBH I'm so relieved not to be going on my own and I think Charlie will be a good conversation starter. Also he's a quite handy guard dog and with the curtains drawn he could sound viscous!

 

[reckless]

Another good thing about having a dog, as you know, is that you're never short of someone to talk to and they don't generally answer back - just look at you adoringly.

Perhaps we can have a new thread when you set off on your travels. I'm sure we'd all like to hear how you're getting on.

Karen

 

[roadster55]

Another good thing about having a dog, as you know, is that you're never short of someone to talk to and they don't generally answer back - just look at you adoringly.

Perhaps we can have a new thread when you set off on your travels. I'm sure we'd all like to hear how you're getting on.

Karen

Yes you're right, it sounds daft but talking through a plan with the dog definitely helps, though he does always seem to answer (best harry hill voice here) "sausages".

Unfortunately I'm not going to have internet access whilst on the road (I know I'm a dinosaur), but I'll definitely get some stuff up here on a thread when I return to make up for it.

 

[reckless]

Sometimes it's good to unshackle yourself from t'internet and just enjoy yourself. It's a special kind of freedom in this day and age.

We use Internet access for research etc but it can become very frustrating! But we're not brave enough to go cold turkey.

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[roadster55]

Sometimes it's good to unshackle yourself from t'internet and just enjoy yourself. It's a special kind of freedom in this day and age.

We use Internet access for research etc but it can become very frustrating! But we're not brave enough to go cold turkey.

I find that the web, though essential in many ways, can be a big distraction from what you're doing sometimes. Fortunately mobile phone banking fills the biggest gap on holiday. For example I used to go on football forums during live matches and comment and banter online. Then I found I was having to watch replays of the game because I missed so much! I tend to turn the clock back on holiday, that way I can give my full attention to myself, the dog and my itinerary. Tell you what though I'd NEVER give up my satnav! Sometimes though there's no bigger buzz than arriving someplace from the aires guide, parking up then taking a walk around even though it's dark and stumbling upon something like this (the tallest surviving Roman town entrance gateway in Europe and miles from Rome) :

 

[Kim H]

Really pleased to see that you've found another friend. I've followed your thread, but couldn't add any more inspiring or supporting words than had already been said. I truly believe that rescue dogs pick us. We went to a rescue centre to meet one dog, but ended up coming home with another who wasn't advertised, but did his best to make sure that we noticed him! Enjoy your new best friend!!!

 

[roadster55]

roadster55, I hope that you have at least half as much fun with your new friend as we have had over the past 9 years with our Bichon/Caniche rescue dog (he will be 15 in 2 weeks time but is convinced that he is still a puppy).

As for Bastide towns and castles and old buildings in general I hope that you will spend some time in the Lot (dept 46) - there is more to it than just Rocamadour. There are plenty of aires, lay-bys and supermarket carparks if sites are not your thing and you are correct about the French being dog friendly, welcoming them into most shops (except supermarkets), restaurants and cafes.

Enjoy already.

For some reason I completely missed this post and I don't know how, but sorry. Anyway you must be doing something right for him to be nearly 15 - I say the better the home the less likely the dog wants to leave it! Have you a piccie of him?
I'm going to get my books out right after this and research Dept 46 Lot, and thanks for confirming about the French being as doggy mad as us and possibly even a little bit more tolerant in public places.
Just come back for an edit; yes I've passed through Lot without really doing it justice on a previous trip in 2012. Cahors is one of my favourite places with it's lovely Medieval bridge. I also recall an aire beside a very old Bastide village the following night, so probably that was in the same Dept. I've got a book on the Bastide villages/towns now, so hopefully can target more of them. Not only are they historically unique being such fortified places, but once inside the fortifications they are like travelling back in time.

 

[roadster55]

Really pleased to see that you've found another friend. I've followed your thread, but couldn't add any more inspiring or supporting words than had already been said. I truly believe that rescue dogs pick us. We went to a rescue centre to meet one dog, but ended up coming home with another who wasn't advertised, but did his best to make sure that we noticed him! Enjoy your new best friend!!!

Yes I'm a firm believer in fate and there were some odds against coincidences too; Charlie arrived at the home on 14/07/16 which was my birthday, and believe it or not he was born on the very same day as Kimberley! How weird is that?

 

[Rob and Val]

Some things are just meant to be. Really pleased for you.

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[MicknMew]

Hi, great to hear you have a new four legged friend, so pleased for you both to have found each other. Wishing you all the best on your travels together,have a wonderful time.You never know we might bump into each other as we are off to France and Spain for 3 months next week. Mew.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Yes, was it you that mentioned Margaret Green Rescue awhile back? Very impressed with their set-up and lovely staff too.

TBH I'm so relieved not to be going on my own and I think Charlie will be a good conversation starter. Also he's a quite handy guard dog and with the curtains drawn he could sound viscous!

Yes it was me that mentioned it from a recommendation by a vet nurse friend down your way. I am glad you are not going on your trip alone, I don't think you would have enjoyed it. Will look forward to a new thread, with a new title, about your journey.

 

[Lot lover]

SWMBO is the techie one so has all the pics - perhaps I should use one of him as my avatar.

Cahors is about an hour S from here, so we don't go as often as we might.

But that is just the start, St Cere, Figeac, Labastide Murat, Lacapelle Marival and many, many more, all with interesting crooks and nannies. Never been keen on Gramat and the Causse, neither the buildings nor the terrain.

Beware the narrow roads, we have plenty of them, category D and C and un-lettered and often Y junctions have no white lines to indicate priorities - the gravel sweepings generally give a clue as to which is the "main", if not don't follow the finger-signs unless you particularly know where you are going.

If it's Brit company for which you yearn head for Sarlat, Souillac and the Dordogne (dept not river) though there is a ghetto at Bretenoux. Cannot tell you much more than that as we are snobs and tend to avoid the sorts that gather in those places. Sorry to go on so but IMHO the Lot is one of France's undiscovered gems and long may it remain so.

Cannot help very much about aires and the like as we are new to this game but you have the book and just keep an eye out for the sign of an emptying motorhome.

 

[Anthea M]

@roadster55 hi we've been in France for two weeks and just found your thread to see if you've had more trips out and that you are doing well and I've found you gave a lovely new friend! Charlie looks like he is a character and what an amazing coincidence ! Now you can do your trip with a companion ! I'm so happy for you both as he has found a loving home!
Both happy!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[roadster55]

@roadster55 hi we've been in France for two weeks and just found your thread to see if you've had more trips out and that you are doing well and I've found you gave a lovely new friend! Charlie looks like he is a character and what an amazing coincidence ! Now you can do your trip with a companion ! I'm so happy for you both as he has found a loving home!
Both happy!! Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Anthea, yeah decided I didn't want to go alone after all, and the French tourism office told me most of the sites except furnished chateau, are fine with dogs on a lead. The French are a dog loving nation and like kids they can go almost anywhere - they might turn me away though lol.
Hope you're enjoying your trip and have fun!

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[Anthea M]

Thanks Anthea, yeah decided I didn't want to go alone after all, and the French tourism office told me most of the sites except furnished chateau, are fine with dogs on a lead. The French are a dog loving nation and like kids they can go almost anywhere - they might turn me away though lol.
Hope you're enjoying your trip and have fun!

We got back yesterday! Had a great time and yes the French love their dogs and all seemed well behaved! We did notice a lot of beaches banned dogs for the summer season but perhaps your 'Charlie' is a land lubber!

 

[roadster55]

We got back yesterday! Had a great time and yes the French love their dogs and all seemed well behaved! We did notice a lot of beaches banned dogs for the summer season but perhaps your 'Charlie' is a land lubber!

I haven't tried him near water yet TBH. But it's the same re. dogs here on a lot of beaches in Cornwall so I will be prepared. Really can't believe he's so good and I keep thinking I'll wake up from a dream. He's a toy boy for sure and I'll have to take a shed-load away with us!

 

[Anthea M]

I haven't tried him near water yet TBH. But it's the same re. dogs here on a lot of beaches in Cornwall so I will be prepared. Really can't believe he's so good and I keep thinking I'll wake up from a dream. He's a toy boy for sure and I'll have to take a shed-load away with us!

It's great you are getting to know each other. Did they let you know his back ground?

 

[roadster55]

It's great you are getting to know each other. Did they let you know his back ground?

I originally went to the home to look at another dog, having failed to get 2 others at other places. They'd asked me to email them with my experience with dogs and personal situation etc. the night before which I did. When I arrived they said before I looked at the original dog they wanted me to see this Charlie. When I asked why they said "because he can't be advertised as he can only go to a home where he'll get 1 to 1 care and without small children, and people don't read the small print but just ring up anyway".
He arrived at the kennels 14/07/16 my birthday, I believe an old couple in Plymouth didn't want him anymore for some reason possibly relating to having small grandchildren. I was told "he had snapped once or twice" and became frightened a lot of the time in a busy household.
Straight away we bonded, and now 4 days on I can categorically say that he is the easiest and best behaved rescue dog I've ever come across, including Kimberley. He gets on with all dogs big and small, including a big deer-hound! he gets on with everybody except one category - older men in the 70's to 80's bracket from which he shies away. The neighbours kids have stroked him and he's shown no fear of children so far, though I always tell kids who want to pet my dogs to let the dog go to them, but he usually goes to them tail wagging anyway.
I've emailed the home and told them this is just ridiculous for anybody to reject a dog of this intelligence, will to please and desire to be affectionate. I just cannot understand how he even ended up in a rescue home because he is a doddle to own and the sweetest, most confident little dog I've ever come across. Mind you I'm not complaining as it was like winning the lottery for me.

 

[Riverbankannie]

Good to hear that you are both getting on so well. From what you say about Charlie, it sounds as if he had a good upbringing and is well socialised so I expect there was a reason beyond their control to make the decision to give him up. It can't have been easy.
However I know from experience that some dogs get nervous when around noisy unpredictable toddlers with all the electronic noise that comes from modern toys. I am unable to allow my daughters dogs in the same room as my son's two children, it is just too risky. The days when I have all of them to look after are very difficult.
Anyway there is a lovely happy new beginning for Charlie, what a lucky doggie.

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[Anthea M]

I agree with Annie above , sounds like you and Charlie have 'both dropped on '! Happy times ahead for both of you!

 

[Lot lover]

older men in the 70's to 80's bracket from which he shies away

No point in your coming to our place then

 

[Carol]

Hi @roadster55 Charlie sounds as if he is settling down so well, could be a good time to start a new thread about yours and Charlie's first trip together into Europe, sounds as if he was made for you, will Charlie be having a trim before he sets off on his adventures to warmer climes.

 

[roadster55]

Good to hear that you are both getting on so well. From what you say about Charlie, it sounds as if he had a good upbringing and is well socialised so I expect there was a reason beyond their control to make the decision to give him up. It can't have been easy.
However I know from experience that some dogs get nervous when around noisy unpredictable toddlers with all the electronic noise that comes from modern toys. I am unable to allow my daughters dogs in the same room as my son's two children, it is just too risky. The days when I have all of them to look after are very difficult.
Anyway there is a lovely happy new beginning for Charlie, what a lucky doggie.

I've just thought of something else they said about Charlie "snapping" at somebody who tried to put a harness on him. I should imagine maybe it was a combination of things; busy household, boisterous young children and even over management by the owners. He's only a little dog and certainly doesn't need a harness IMO. I've looked online at several breed websites for the Cavachon, and TBH what they describe temperament wise is what I see.

 

[roadster55]

I agree with Annie above , sounds like you and Charlie have 'both dropped on '! Happy times ahead for both of you!

Yes I think we both smell of roses!

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[reckless]

This is fairly normal. We've had our rescue dog from Romania for about 4 months now and can only imagine what he went through. At first he was scared of everything and I thought we'd made a huge mistake. His fear of other dogs approaching him while onlead was expressed by him snarling and lunging at them. I assumed he was aggressive but he was telling them in dog language to keep their distance. With lots of training he's so much better and I've learned not to panic!

He doesn't like older men, especially with sticks. We often meet such a man who is very understanding, slowly puts his stick down and stands a little way away to exchange pleasantries. Milo still often starts snarling at him despite me bribing him with treats! I feel almost embarrassed!

I find a harness gives me more control and confidence but he *hates* it. He used to run to his bed when he saw it. Now we ask him to put his head through it to get a treat, that works and once on he's good to go.

Despite these problems, he's a great dog and we love having him around. He's good around the house, doesn't pester or bark, eager to please, quick to learn, very affectionate, good traveller.

And you should see him run when we let him off lead on those beaches in France! He's in heaven.

I'm sure you'll have some wonderful trips together.

Karen

Edit.....don't know why this is all in quotes!!

 

[roadster55]

Hi @roadster55 Charlie sounds as if he is settling down so well, could be a good time to start a new thread about yours and Charlie's first trip together into Europe, sounds as if he was made for you, will Charlie be having a trim before he sets off on his adventures to warmer climes.

He was done when the home got him mid July son don't think he'll need a trim yet. I've started grooming him with a Spaniel type brush. His coat seems easy compared to Kimberely's. His droopy ears get a wash each time he has a drink!

 

[roadster55]

Reckless,
Yes those traits are typical of an abused dog. Good on you for working so hard, sticking by him and seeing it through. I dread to think whar was done to him in Rumania.
I once had a lurcher, an ex gypsy dog I was told. She was terrified by tall, dark men and as you say also sticks and umbrellas. If it rained I had to wear complete waterproofs! She basically ignored other dogs as if they weren't there, but she was very sweet.
Then I had a Greyhound ex racer. I soon discovered that likely he'd been top dog in his racing kennels, as he tried to boss every dog he met. That was ok to a point except he lived to over 14 and towards his last years he'd lost virtually all his teeth and basically couldn't boss a rabbit! He had to be dragged off the settee for walks and if it was raining he would refuse to go out without his coat on!

 

[Riverbankannie]

What a good thing there are so many funsters around taking on these dogs and giving them a better happier life.
Well done everyone.

 

[Lot lover]

older men in the 70's to 80's bracket from which he shies away

Have just re-read this - should I have been offended at being described as a "which" rather than a "whom"?

(Sorry can't see the smiley for pedant)

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