Just back from a wonderful week's holiday in Italy (Molly stayed at home with adult son) and the area we stayed in we're having a 'dogs welcome' campaign, so dogs allowed in hotels, restaurants, lakeside walk etc. There were so many dogs of every kind - lots of cocker spaniels and dachshunds, a few labs, but even an Irish wolfhound as well as many others. They were all extremely relaxed - no barking or anxious behaviour - but I suppose you'd only take your dog to such a busy area if you knew they'd cope. The dogs were allowed to swim in the lake, so that was cooling, but I did feel it was too hot for some of the long-haired breeds. There was a heat-wave meaning temperatures in the mid-30s and I felt sorry for one Newfie out among the shops in the heat of the day. Great holiday, but I was very pleased to see Molly again!
Both Italy and France are very dog friendly and no-one usually pays any attention to dogs in restaurants etc. There's currently a couple of dogs staying in our hotel on Lake Garda as there were in Venice and Florence. I wouldn't bring my dog here on holiday though because of the heat as a cool day is currently around 31 degrees - quite a significant difference from at home.
Sounds lovely ,Lake Garda is a beautiful setting anyway ....add dogs to it,perfect! Makes you miss yours more when you are around pouches when you are away though doesn't it x
@Dexter You just had to go and say it Missing Juno like crazy now (and the cats of course) but this holiday has been absolutely wonderful so that's the trade off, and I know that they are all safe and cared for at the kennels/cattery
How funny to think we may have seen each other! You're right about the heat - Molly would hate it as she doesn't like English hot days. I thought many dogs looked perfectly happy with the temperature (though not all) so I suppose it's what they're used to.
Sorry I'm being insensitive , because did you know my dog is coming on holiday with me? Did I mention it? ! Sorry,sorry I'll try and rein it in! X
And how absolutely wonderful! I know you've cut previously holidays short to be home with Dexter - not this one though! Yay! You will have such a wonderful time! And we'll be cheering you on as you and Dex explore! I have to admit to never having taken a holiday without Charlie. Sad, I know. All I want to do when I'm not working is be with my pup! So can't see the point of holidays where Charlie isn't with me.
I love Garda and the other Italian lakes. May take Poppy there out of season some time - maybe the spring or autumn. At present, we are on holiday in the UK - she is of course with us! But we will be leaving her for a week when we go hiking in the Alps. It is too high and scary to take a dog, and although she is probably more sure-footed than we are, I wouldn't have a quiet moment, so she is staying with friends that week instead.
Enjoy your holiday with Dexter although with the current British summers he may need some jumpers to stay warm . Received a very joyful welcome on Tuesday and lots of face washing and Juno has been completely unfazed by her stay in the kennels. Love my furry family but for special celebrations we have separate holidays; in any event dogs aren't allowed in the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's, the Uffizi, the Academia, the Doge's Palace or St Mark's so Juno wouldn't have had much fun
We arrived in Sirmione last Wednesday to stay for 5 nights. Where abouts were you? We started in Rome then on to Florence and then to Venice. We were surprised by the number of dogs
@Joy sort hit wrong button too soon ! There were lots I dogs in Venice on the islands but I just kept thinking about the lack of green space for them to have a run and play particularly living in apartments and of course no gardens. Walks are through the streets and lanes generally amongst lots of tourists, not my idea of fun. At least in Rome there's a huge park to walk in
@MaccieD We were in Bardolino for a week and leaving as you were arriving at Lake Garda. Sounds like you had a great time, but much more energetic than our lazing around! It is a bit sad for dogs who don't get to enjoy being out in the countryside.
