Tales and Trails

  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...

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...