The Last Big Adventure With My Beloved Mia: Chasing Waves and Mountains (Italy & Austria)
October 2023
My beloved Mia, a golden-hearted girl with a spirit far younger than her years, absolutely loved the water. So, I made it my mission to take her to the sea one last time. Our destination? The famous Pluto Beach in Bibione, Italy.
But because Mia was already an older lady (11 years young!), I didn't want her to endure a marathon car ride. Senior dogs need comfort, frequent breaks, and a slower pace. So, we turned the journey into a two-part adventure, breaking up the long haul with a pit stop in the Austrian Alps.
This trip wasn't just a holiday; it was a thank-you letter to my best friend.
Part 1: Austria – The Lake of a Million Sticks
We broke the drive in Gmunden, Austria, right on the shores of Traunsee. We stayed in a cute hotel with incredibly friendly staff, and the best part? The lake was literally our front yard.
I must have thrown at least a million sticks for Mia to fetch. She paddled happily, refusing to believe that "tired" was a concept that applied to her. We even managed a gentle climb up a nearby mountain path for a panoramic view of the lake before descending for one last dip. It was the perfect warm-up for the Italian coast.
💡 Dog-Traveler Fact: Austria's Muzzle Laws While Austria is very dog-friendly, they have strict rules about public transport. If you plan to take a cable car (Seilbahn) or a ferry on the lakes, you must have a muzzle for your dog, regardless of size or temperament. Always keep one in your backpack just in case!
Part 2: Bibione – The Dog Paradise
The next morning, we drove through the Alps toward Italy. The views were stunning—peaks slicing through the clouds at every turn. It was almost tragic that I had to keep my eyes on the road instead of snapping photos every five seconds!
In Bibione, we rented a ground-floor apartment with a private garden. This was crucial for traveling with a senior dog—no stairs for Mia's joints, and easy parking right at the door meant stress-free loading and unloading.
The Legendary Pluto Beach (Spiaggia di Pluto)
The main reason for this trip was Spiaggia di Pluto. I’d fallen in love with it online, and it didn't disappoint.
High Season: In summer, this is a luxury resort for dogs. You can rent fenced spots with sunbeds, bowls, and even doggy showers.
Off-Season (October): Since we visited in October, the rules were relaxed. Dogs were allowed almost everywhere, and the crowds were gone.
We spent four glorious days here. The water was surprisingly warm for October, and the beach has a very gradual entry. This meant Mia could wade far out without having to swim too hard—perfect for an older dog who loves the water but doesn't have the stamina of a puppy.
💡 Dog-Traveler Fact: Italian Beach Rules Italy is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, but beach rules vary by region. Look for signs that say "Spiaggia Libera con accesso ai cani" (Free beach with dog access). From September/October to April, most restrictions are lifted, making it the best time to visit!
Italian Vocab Lesson: Italians are incredibly dog-friendly. I learned the essential vocabulary:
Ragazza (Girl) – Vital, because everyone wanted to know who the "good girl" was.
Gelato (Ice Cream) – Obvious reasons.
Sin Carne (Without meat) – My vegetarian survival phrase (borrowed from Spanish, but it worked!).
Part 3: Verona & The Trolley Life
After four days of sand and sea, we headed to Verona. I had dreams of seeing Juliet’s balcony, but the line was longer than a Shakespearean monologue. Instead, we wandered the ancient streets, soaking in the vibe.
The Senior Dog Hack: The Trolley Because of Mia’s age, I packed a dog trolley (stroller). It was a lifesaver! The cobblestones in Verona can be uneven, and the crowds thick. When it got too much for her, she hopped in with her favorite blanket and watched the world go by like a queen in her carriage.
Warning: If you think October means fewer tourists in Verona, think again. The city is very much alive and bustling. The trolley acted as a "shield," preventing people from accidentally bumping into her.
Part 4: Sirmione & The Dolomites (The Grand Finale)
Our next stop was Sirmione on Lake Garda. We walked through the park, climbed the hill for views of the Roman ruins, and naturally, Mia fetched a few more sticks in the lake. It is a magical, historical town that feels like stepping back in time.
But the real showstopper was our final destination: Sexten (Sesto) in South Tyrol. We stayed for two nights in a dog-friendly hotel with a balcony overlooking the Dolomites. It was so peaceful.
The Highlight: Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
I cannot stress this enough: Lago di Braies is not real. It looks like a painting. The water is an emerald green that feels impossible.
We arrived early in the morning to beat the Instagram crowds. Walking the trail around the lake offers new, breathtaking angles at every step. It was a spiritual experience. Mia trotted along, sniffing the crisp mountain air, clearly telling me she preferred this natural wonder over the busy streets of Verona. Seeing her so happy, so full of life in that stunning scenery, is a memory etched in my mind forever.
💡 Dog-Traveler Fact: Hiking in South Tyrol South Tyrol (Südtirol) is unique because it is culturally a mix of Austrian and Italian traditions. You will hear both German and Italian spoken. The trails here are incredibly well-marked. For senior dogs, look for "Forstweg" (Forest roads)—these are wide, gravel paths with gentle inclines, much easier on older joints than narrow hiking trails.
A Farewell to Adventure
We took a few more "walkies" around our hotel before the long drive home. It turned out to be our last big trip together.
Writing this now, I am so grateful we made the time. We broke up the drive, we walked at her pace, and I let her fetch those million sticks. If you have a senior dog, don't be afraid to travel with them—just adjust the itinerary, pack a trolley, and cherish every moment.
Thinking of you, my darling Mia. Always.
From heartbreak to Corfu: How I went to volunteer and came home with two "souvenirs".
🐾 Summary & Tips for Traveling with a Senior Dog
Break the Drive: Never drive more than 4-5 hours without a long stopover. We used Austria as our "base camp" to break the journey to Italy.
Ground Floor is Key: When booking apartments, always filter for "Ground Floor" or "Elevator." Stairs are the enemy of older hips.
The Off-Season Advantage: Traveling in October meant cooler temperatures (safer for dogs) and relaxed beach rules.
Invest in Gear: A dog trolley or a high-quality orthopedic bed for the car makes a huge difference in their comfort level.
