Tales and Trails

  In August 2026, we packed our bags, loaded the dogs into the car, and headed for Switzerland. Why? Simply because it is undeniably beautiful and packed with endless places to explore. Our ultimate destination was a cozy mountain apartment in Giubiasco, near the Italian border. However, with the girls (our dogs) in tow and a long drive ahead, we decided to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. A Peaceful Bavarian Pit Stop: Irsee We split the drive by staying two nights in Irsee, a stunning and typical small Bavarian town. It had everything you picture when you think of Bavaria: a charming church, a local brewery with a beer garden, and lots of lush greenery. Because it was scorching hot, the local streams were an absolute blessing. We spent an entire morning chilling on a blanket by the water while the girls splashed around to cool off. Later, we sat by the local pond, mesmerized by the quiet beauty and watching the ducks play—which was, of course, fascinating for...

  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...

In April 2012, I found myself technically "homeless." I had sold my apartment and bought a new house, but the timing was... well, imperfect. The house wasn't ready, but I had to vacate my apartment. Rather than panicking or couch-surfing with two dogs, I decided to embrace the chaos. I packed up my car, grabbed my two fur-babies, Bonny and Mia , and turned our housing gap into a week-long escape to the Austrian Alps. We headed for the Salzkammergut region , specifically the area around St. Wolfgang . If you have to be homeless, you might as well do it somewhere with crystal-clear lakes and mountains that look like they were painted. The Accommodation (and a Sad Update) We stayed in a typical Austrian apartment house just outside of town—think wooden balconies overflowing with flowers, hearty breakfasts, and staff who treated the dogs like royalty. Note: I went to link the place for you, but sadly, they no longer accept pets. Since this blog is strictly about dog-friendly...