My publications

Chasing Sticks Across Borders: : Traveling the World with Four-Legged Best Friends

Chasing Sticks Across Borders: : Traveling the World with Four-Legged Best Friends

Part travelogue, part memoir, and part practical manual, this book takes you on a journey through:

  • The Alpine Peaks: Navigating the crystal-clear lakes of Wolfgangsee and the "fairytale" crowds of Neuschwanstein.
  • The Baltic & Adriatic Coasts: Finding hidden sanctuaries in Poland and the magic of a crowd-free Croatian Christmas.
  • The Road to Redemption: Moving through the crushing loss of soul-mutt Mia to finding new life in two rescues—Angie and Paula—from the dusty olive groves of Corfu, Greece.
  • The Reality of the Road: An honest look at the "vomit sagas," the 3:00 AM border crossings, and the stress of big-city travel in Berlin.

Inside, you’ll discover the "Dog-Eared" Guide to European Travel, including:

  • Senior Dog Hacks: How to use dog trolleys, ramps, and orthopedic gear to keep your aging best friend by your side.
  • The Off-Season Secret: Why October to May is the "Golden Age" for dog owners in Europe.
  • The Border Crossing Cheat Sheet: Navigating vignettes, non-EU paperwork, and Austrian muzzle laws without breaking a sweat.
  • Rescue Realities: A raw look at volunteering abroad and the life-changing joy of adopting a "souvenir" from a Greek island.

Whether you are a seasoned road-tripper or someone who has never dared to take your dog past the local park, Chasing Sticks Across Borders will inspire you to turn the key, check the rearview mirror, and realize that home isn't a place—it’s a wagging tail in the passenger seat.

Get ready to pack the car. The mountains are calling, and your dog is ready to go.


PAWS, PASSPORTS, AND PARADISE: A Journey from Heartbreak to Hope

One woman. Two rescue dogs. 4,000 kilometers of hope.  

PAWS, PASSPORTS, AND PARADISE: A Journey from Heartbreak to Hope

When my beloved first dogs, Bony and Mia, passed away, the silence in the house was deafening. But out of that profound heartache came a calling that would lead me across the borders of Europe and deep into the olive groves of a small Greek island.

The Great Migration is a heartwarming and often humorous memoir of a "dog mom" who discovered that the best way to heal a broken heart is to offer it to those who have nothing.

Follow me and my two spirited rescues, Angela and Paula, as we navigate an epic 4,000-kilometer road trip from the heart of Prague to the emerald shores of Corfu. From the "comedy gold" of dogs discovering mirrors and "magic boxes" (TVs) for the first time, to the grit and sweat of volunteering at a local shelter, this story is a tribute to the resilience of the canine spirit.

Whether you are a devoted rescue advocate, a lover of travel adventures, or someone who knows the unique joy of a dog’s wagging tail, this book is a reminder that our life’s purpose is often found at the end of a leash.

Join the pack. Discover the magic of Corfu. And remember—every dog deserves a second chance.



Paws From Corfu: A Journey of Healing, Hope, and the Forgotten Dogs of Corfu



Paws From Corfu: A Journey of Healing, Hope, and the Forgotten Dogs of Corfu 

Warm, honest, and deeply moving, Beyond the Turquoise Sea is a must-read for any animal lover. It is a story about the beauty of second chances, the power of human-animal bonds, and the belief that no dog—no matter how old, shy, or broken—is ever truly beyond saving.


Inside the real world of animal rescue...
This isn't just a travel memoir. It is a raw, "behind-the-scenes" look at the reality of running a rescue shelter. It is the story of Marketa, a woman of relentless devotion, who serves as the thin line between life and death for hundreds of abandoned souls.


The Unfurling Paw: A Journey Home

The Unfurling Paw: A Journey Home

Meet Max, a charming, albeit confused, dog who firmly believes he’s a cat. From sophisticated sunbeam naps to profound contemplations in cardboard boxes, his feline identity is unshakeable – until a kind human named Alex enters his bustling shelter world and gently, hilariously, shatters his furry delusions.

Thus begins Max's heartwarming and often laugh-out-loud journey from the hopeful cacophony of the shelter to a new life in a forever home. With Alex by his side, Max learns the bewildering ropes of being a dog, navigating the challenges of house training, the terror of the vacuum cleaner, and the never-ending, often comical, sibling rivalry with Whiskers, a very particular cat who isn't thrilled about sharing his kingdom.

Filled with quirky characters, unexpected mishaps, and moments that melt your heart, The Unfurling Paw is a delightful tale of mistaken identity, profound resilience, and the transformative power of love to heal and bring joy. Join Max as he discovers what it truly means to belong, how to embrace his authentic, wonderfully canine self, and how a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of heart can make a family like no other.

A joyous and uplifting story that proves home isn't just a place, but where the heart unfurls.



Popular posts

From Heartbreak to Corfu: How I Went to Volunteer and Came Home with Two "Souvenirs"

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This blog post is a touching personal narrative about a lifelong love for animals. After losing my two beloved dogs, Bony and Mia, I volunteered at an animal shelter in Corfu, Greece. Initially intending only to help, but I "accidentally" adopted two new dogs, Angie and Paula, bringing them back home with me. The story details my emotional journey, the challenges and joys of volunteering, the rescue process, and the beginning of my new life with my canine companions, highlighting the importance of animal adoption.  I think I was born with a "Must Pet All Dogs" gene. As a child, I spent my summers at my grandparents’ house in the countryside, surrounded by rabbits, cats, and farm animals. While other kids were playing tag, I was probably trying to befriend a chicken. I’m not sure if the countryside shaped me or if I was just born this way, but animals have always been my safe space. They are pure, innocent souls, and frankly, they’re often better company than hum...
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Paws, Sunsets, and Second Chances: Our Two Weeks Volunteering in Corfu (April 2026)

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  There is something truly magical about returning to a place where you left a piece of your heart. Tuesday marked my first day back at the dog shelter in Corfu . The incredible Marketa was there with me on the first day because the dogs have changed since last year, so I needed new instructions about the dogs I didn't know yet. Day one at the shelter was a big refresh. It’s a bittersweet reality of shelter life: dogs leave when they get adopted and go to their forever homes, and new ones come in. Marketa has to make sure she matches them so they don’t have conflicts. I learned new names, new personalities, and their routines. All of them are super cute. It was super nice to see the ones I already knew, although it made me feel sad that these beautiful souls haven’t found their forever homes yet. I got back into the routine pretty quickly, and with another volunteer, I had time to take the dogs out for a walk. Sunsets, Waterfalls, and Exploring Corfu When we weren't at the shel...
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Paws in Paradise: Why Grubers Hotel in Bad Gastein is Our Ultimate Dog-Friendly Retreat

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  Returning to a place that feels like home is always special, but returning to Grubers Hotel in Bad Gastein is something my two girls, Paula and Angie, and I look forward to all year. After our last visit in September, we knew we had to come back this summer—and once again, it exceeded every expectation. If you are looking for a place where dogs aren’t just "allowed" but are the guests of honor, this is it. Home Away From Home This year, we stayed in a stunning one-bedroom apartment featuring a spacious living room and two balconies with breathtaking views. The apartments are modern, stylish, and fully equipped, making it incredibly easy to cook your own meals and relax in privacy. The hotel itself is perfectly situated. Surrounded by towering peaks and a rushing river, you are steps away from long, scenic paths. Whether you want a challenging summit or a gentle flat walk to admire the Alpine beauty, the options are endless. Hospitality with a Personal Touch What truly sets...
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4,000 km, 6 Countries, and One Vomit Crisis: Our Road Trip to Corfu

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 This post recounts an epic 4,000-kilometer road trip from Prague to Corfu undertaken by me, the author and my two rescue dogs, Angie and Paula, in May 2025. The journey's purpose was to return to Corfu and volunteer at Marketa's dog shelter , a place dear to my heart. The narrative details the extensive planning involved, including documents, routes through six countries (two non-EU), and ferry travel. It describes various stops, from the serene Lake Balaton in Hungary to the bustling city of Belgrade, and the challenging yet scenic drive through North Macedonia. The highlight is the arrival in Greece, the ferry to Corfu, and the fulfilling daily routine of volunteering and exploring the island with my dogs. The return trip becomes an unexpected adventure when we transport a third dog, Elli, back to Czechia, turning a planned three-day journey into a non-stop 1,500 km drive filled with "vomit saga" challenges but ultimately successful. The post concludes ...
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A Pawsitively Magical Easter Escape: Hiking Schladming-Dachstein with Dogs (2026)

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  There’s a special kind of magic in the Austrian Alps, and this Easter (April 2026), the mountains were calling. So, we packed our bags, loaded up my two girls (of the four-legged, furry variety), and set off for another trip to our beloved Austria. This time, our compass pointed straight to the breathtaking region of Schladming-Dachstein . The Great Friday Eve Migration (and a Heartwarming Arrival) We headed to Austria on Thursday right after work. In my blissful, pre-trip innocence, I thought, "It’ll only take four hours." Oh boy, was I wrong. Apparently, half of Europe had the exact same Easter escape plan. The traffic was a modern tragedy. My GPS, bless its digital heart, tried to be helpful by rerouting us to "faster" paths. In reality, this meant I spent hours crawling through tiny, picturesque villages at a snail’s pace. We finally rolled up to our apartment at 10 P.M. instead of 8 P.M., exhausted, with rain turning into unseasonal snow. But then, the trave...
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A Perfect Bavarian Sunday: Reuniting with Friends, Furballs, and the Charm of Kallmünz

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  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...
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Traveling to Berlin with Dogs: An Honest Review (And Why I Won’t Do It Again)

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  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...
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