Tales and Trails

  I generally try to avoid taking my dogs to bustling, chaotic big cities. However, on a recent business trip to Berlin, I decided to make an exception. Our Berlin office is dog-friendly, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to bring my two girls along for the ride. Spoiler alert: I will not be doing that again. While Germany as a whole is known for loving its pets, my personal experience is that Berlin is not very dog-friendly. From strict leash laws to expensive hotel fees, here is an honest look at what it is really like to travel to the German capital with your canine companions. The Reality of Berlin’s Park and Leash Laws (Leinenzwang) Walking through a city should be relaxing, but in Berlin, it felt like an obstacle course. Dogs certainly cannot go everywhere. Where they are allowed, prominent signs dictate that they must be kept on a short leash (max 1-2 meters). We did encounter locals in neighborhood parks who had their dogs off-leash, but as a visitor, I could se...

  Last Sunday, the open road called, leading us on a delightful journey to reunite with my former colleague, Jana, and our wonderful canine friend, Willi, in the picturesque village of Kallmünz, Bavaria, Germany . The day was a beautiful blend of heartwarming reunions, stunning landscapes, and the quiet charm of traditional Bavarian life. We set off bright and early around 8 am, and thanks to Germany's excellent autobahns, the 2.5-hour drive was incredibly smooth and fast. There's truly something special about Bavaria; its pristine landscapes, well-kept towns, and rolling hills always make for a refreshing visit. The Story of Willi: A Journey to His Forever Home Our visit was particularly meaningful as it allowed us to see Willi, a sweet soul who had a rough start. My dear friend Jana, our angel, stepped in at the eleventh hour to give him the loving home he truly deserved. Willi had sadly been returned from an adoption, then moved to a temporary foster home with a strict one-m...