The Labraventures of Carbón, Spanish (ex-) foster dog extraordinaire

[Lisa]

Safe travels to ML. Give her lots of cuddles, Carbón, and tell her you will be a Very Good Boy.

 

[Cath]

safe journey

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Pues, she has finally done it: abandoned me. Pero…it is ok because it is SO much more fun with Auntie Kate as my new ML. Now we all sleep in the bed, my new ML, Reuben, and ME. Que bien! I also get yoghurt treats. Si, si, extra treats! I think I may get some leeeetle fish too.

So Adios, old ML, it was good to know you, but I am a proper Cornish gentleman and I get to stay here forever!

 

[kateincornwall]

Sorry Carbon , I love you dearly BUT three nights of two labradors sharing my bed is plenty thank you xxx

 

[Cath]

You norty boy Carbon, you know you love your ML Emily

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

ML here. Ha, that norty Carbón jumping ship for greener pastures! I should have known. Little does he know when I pick him up on Tuesday, I’ll stick to HIM like glue! Travelling without him is very much ‘no bueno’!

BTW, not quite to Regensburg yet. Door to door will be nearly 16 hours.

 

[kateincornwall]

Carbon is being a very good boy , they have just been fed and all is calm , for now xxx

P.S. and I have remembered his tablet xx

 

[Stacia]

ML here. Ha, that norty Carbón jumping ship for greener pastures! I should have known. Little does he know when I pick him up on Tuesday, I’ll stick to HIM like glue! Travelling without him is very much ‘no bueno’!

BTW, not quite to Regensburg yet. Door to door will be nearly 16 hours.

You must miss his presence and support so much However, knowing he is happy with Aunty Kate and his pals must help a little x

 

[M.F.]

Best of luck getting everything you need doing done. Curious to know why you’re traveling without Carbon? Were the logistics too complicated?

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Best of luck getting everything you need doing done. Curious to know why you’re traveling without Carbon? Were the logistics too complicated?

In short, yes.

There was a danger of him getting stopped along the way (most likely going back into the UK). This can happen because there are no EU-wide standards for service dogs, therefore every private company (Lufthansa, British Airways, Eurotunnel) and every government agency has their own ever-changing rules. If we get caught up in that when driving, for example, it’s not that big of a deal, because then I pay the pet fee and Carbon’s physical circumstances don’t change (he’s safe in the car with me). By contrast with air travel, he could be made to go into the hold, or put into quarantine, or confiscated.

Practically speaking, the trip would have also had to been at least 2 days longer to meet UK entry requirements for anti-worming drugs which must be given within a specific window for re-entry.

Then there is just wear and tear on an 8+ year old dog.

If he couldn’t have stayed with Kate, I would have driven, a six-day drive - while less wear and tear on Carbón, significantly more wear and tear on me. ‍
And even more cost. ‍‍

So I really REALLY thought about it, and this was the best option. Despite it stinking (for me - Carbon is dandy), it will (fingers crossed) be done and dusted tomorrow.

Plus Kate now has the joy of knowing what it’s like to have a pushy little back Lab taking over her bed and asking for his breakfast at 5 am. I’m sure she’s wondering what she’s gotten herself into.

 

[M.F.]

Oh wow, I had no idea how complicated—and risky—it could be. Thinking of you cos I imagine it must’ve been a big deal for you to travel without him, given his support function. Best of luck. xxx

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Hola amigos! I have now been kidnapped against my will by my former ML and taken away from the best home EVER with head amigo Reuben, great walks, and a spectacular garden. I am not happy. I am, de verdad, a leeeeeeetle miffed.

My old ML is trying to woo me back by letting me explore the garden at 3 am and breakfast at 4 am and now a lie in with my Monkey.

Maybe I will forgive her in a few days. Or maybe I will run away back to Auntie Kate. Or maybe I will stage a protest! Vamos a ver, let us see. For now, I think I need a siesta. The life of the best Spanish gentleman ever can be very hard. Ojalá!

 

[Boogie]

Glad you are back @Emily_Babbelhund. I've been thinking of you.

 

[Granca]

Me too. I hope all went well.

 

[Cath]

Glad you are back @Emily_Babbelhund. I've been thinking of you.

Hope all was sorted out for you.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Hope all was sorted out for you.

It’s never really sorted out - or won’t be until I’ve got a German passport in my pocket. But if I hadn’t gone they would have dragged the current issue out another six months, so at least now we’ll be on to the next problem. Progress?

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I. Am. Espectacular!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Pee ess: si, those are indeed Easter eggs on my bandana. And bunnies too though you cannot see them.

 

[Cath]

You are so handsome in your lovely Easter bandana Carbon

 

[Stacia]

I. Am. Espectacular!
View attachment 44285

You are indeed most spectacular