Holiday in Devon with Fizz, Fabio & Flo
by Jennie Hegarty
Usually my sister steps in and dog sits my little family of two Bolognese Fizz and Fabio and my elderly rather grumpy and sometimes incontinent Maltese Flo. However October 16 we had a week booked in Tuckenhay Devon at a stylish holiday apartment next to Keith Floyds award winning pub. Sister was double booked and we realised we would have to holiday en famille!! The first time ever with 3 differing ages and differing meds – luckily the apartment allowed dogs although it only had a small patio garden and was right next to the estuary.
Packing the car was novel, all three dogs nicely comfortable in the boot space with plenty of room. Back seats and every other available inch was taken up with our cases and coats but more importantly dog beds, dog coats in case of inclement weather, specialist dog food, dog towels and grooming stuff .
Our dogs are all good travelers but a 4 hour journey is a bit a challenge. We found a perfect half way stop on the A303 – Teals a Farm shop, gift shop and café all dog friendly. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Huge dog walking field with tepees should you want a picnic or takeaway snack. After food and toilet break for all we carried on another 2 hours. It was difficult unloading so I decided to give the dogs a Licky Mat treat to keep them amused. I have found attaching them to kitchen cupboards rather than on the floor seems to engage the dogs more and certainly relaxes them. I had brought puppy pads with me for my old girl and found them so useful. All 3 used them in the night. I think they were uneasy about using the patio for their last ‘outing’.
All three dogs quickly adapted to new routines – sleeping in a lounge and not joining us for tea in bed. Fabio in particular loved to sit on a stool overlooking the estuary and watching the seals and egrets. The Maltsters Arms welcomed all 3 dogs and they could be with us whilst we ate in the restaurant area. Our nearest town was Totnes a super dog friendly place. They were able to
accompany us absolutely everywhere with no awkwardness’ or embarrassment. An atmospheric place, a high street with independent shops and a slightly alternative vibe. We loved walking the dogs beside the river then popping in to’ The Riverside Café’ for brunch. It’s a beautiful space and all the food is home made.
Our favourite outing was on the Steam train from Paignton to Dartmouth, the dogs had their own tickets and we all sat in the Observation Carriage a throwback to the 1930s – dogs looked entrancing next to the pink seats. Holidaying with our pack was so much more fun than I ever imagined – Licky Mats, puppy pads and waterless shampoo proved really helped. Our old girl rose to the occasion and joined in with all activities. I am biased but I think our beautiful breed are so intuitive and adaptable they just ‘fit in’ And, of course they are admired everywhere they go. Our holiday was a success.
