How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hi all!
Have been reading Brightonchris's thread entitled "Driving across Spain with a dog" and wondered how, when everyone has your dogs have settled. I have a GSD who is a bit of an outdoor boy and insists we have our patio doors open winter and summer! (didn't say he got his own way mind, did I?). :rofl:

How have your pets adapted to the difference in temperature/climate/food etc? And did you encounter any problems you had not anticipated?
Thanks guys! Would be glad to share your experiences here. :thumbsup:

Chris XXX

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

I brought my black Staffie X with me - getting on a bit now, but loves the sun. I brought plenty of her familiar food with us from the UK to tide her over for a while but once that ran out she adapted to the supermarket stuff OK.
She developed liver problems in 2004 (diagnosed by my Spanish vet) and has been on a special Hill's diet food ever since. Have found most vets to be as good here as in the UK - for the usual annual jabs, an annual blood test and for a minor growth op since being here.
I give her only mineral water to drink as the tap water is very hard and can cause health probs for dogs (and cats) in later life.
I always muzzle her in public (which scares the life out of the Spanish for some reason!) and if off the lead too - heard of too many poisoning cases here (deliberate and accidental) to take a chance.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...4/47ac698a.jpg http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...4/11012935.jpg

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Thanks Hillbilly, that's a cool dude Staffie you have there! A bit shy and retiring perhaps? :rofl: Good idea about the water. :thumbsup:
I tried to attach a picture of our dog but couldn't manage it. I did however, inadvertantly manage to record myself trying. I didn't know you could do that. Please God this hasn't loaded. I wont tell you hoe the conversation between me and my computer went! Suffice to say it won!!! :curse:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Chris, my GSD was born in Spain, but when it's hot she lies under my bed during the day and runs like a lunatic around the place other time. I have a small swimming pool and she often gets in it too cool off. I had a GSD also in Australia and she used to climb into the water trough for the horses when she got too hot. So maybe have an old bath full of water that he can get into now and then too cool off. The other thing is sometimes they find a cool spot in the garden, my GSD also used to dig and then lie down as the soil was cooler. But she seems to manage in the heat, and sometimes I also have water fights with her with the hose so that helps. They soon climatise, just make sure you don't take them in the middle of summer to do so, maybe build them up to it.

Where are you heading, my female GSD needs a boyfriend....:lol:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Lol :rofl: Hi Mercedes, thanks for the tip on the "water cooler" another good idea! We haven't decided on a paricular location yet. Pretty much going to wait till house sells, drive over with our "pup" ( I use the word loosely, he is 3 years old, not an ounce of fat and is solid muscle!) and rent for a while. We would like to buy a finca/country house and idealy about 1000 m2 of land, plenty big enough for him to toddle about until its time for HIM to take my husband for a walk later! :blink: (when it is a little cooler). I think that he may slow down a bit with the heat anyway. (espero que si!) If anyone can advise me how to add a photo I will post his picture. I didn't have any problem with the avatar as it was on the software program that came with our digital camera, and which is really easy to use. The picture I was going to post is on another software program which came with the camcorder, and it is PIG of a program. There are buttons and icons everywhere but there are NO instructions as to how to use them! They don't even display anything when you hover over them. :curse: I know I can tranfer pictures from that sofware to the other because I've done it! But I can't remember how I did it. I think it was a fluke!
Anyway, enough of that, whereabouts in Spain are you located? (If you don't mind me asking!) :blink:
If anyone can assist with the picture thing, please feel free to chip in! :thumbup:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

I am going to try and post a picture. This may take some time! :blink:

Fingers crossed, and if there is a picture of a GSD then I have been successful! Here goes nothing. :(

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

I did it, I did it! (Don't ask me how, 'cause I still don't know how I did it Ha Ha!
Isn't he a handsome lad? :thumbsup: :rofl:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

I have been trying to remember this site.


http://petrelocation.com/


wrong one!

http://expatexchange.com/lib.cfm?articleid=2510

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Thanks Rugbymatt, but I think I would be a jibbering wreck if seperated from our dog. :cry_smile: We will probably do the channel tunnel then drive through France and into Spain. Hopefully we shouldn't be in any rush so the long haul should be a little less of an ordeal.
But please don't think your contribution was not appreciated, as it was? Cheers Rugbymatt! :thumbsup:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

I posted the wrong one, I was trying to post their advice bit without posting another expat site since as we all know BE is the one and only, simply the best.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

I'm on the CDS, up in the mountains in a Spanish community with a villa on 1/4 of an acre so she has plenty of room to run about. The house needed some work on it, but I got it for a good price and the area they think will be popular as the building regs are quite tough, as I'm finding out here. My GDS is coming up to 4, I had her at 7 months old from the rescue centre down here. I haven't got photo I can upload, but will when I can, she is a trendy dog is running around with a scalf around her neck. :lol: Pretty dog, every time I go out, people want to come over and stroke her, especially in restaurants, in fact someone gave her an ice cream that their toddler was eating. Although the kid didn't want the rest of it, he howled as she was eating it and licking her chops.:rofl:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Wow what a goog thread,I will be taking my George to Spain ,so very interesting.Heres some pics taken this morning.Cheers


Attachment 42761

Attachment 42762

Attachment 42763

:thumbsup: Cheers

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Damn done it again:confused: :confused:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Priceless!

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Heres a piccy of my little boy a few days after his knee operation.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy *clapping hands* bravo! You did do it ;)

Beautiful dog you've got there Chris!

We frequently look after two dogs (a Labrador and a Jack Russel) that came from the UK last year and they are doing great. No problem with the heat as they find shade during the day or stay indoors with the air con going full blast.

Just always need to make sure there are buckets and buckets of water for them to drink (the water evaporates from the heat so quickly too). Otherwise I don't think you'll have any problems.

The photos from left to right are my husband, Michael, and the Labrador (her name is Poppy), Michael and our Pip fast asleep (Pip was given to us by a farmer living next door to one of the villas we were renovating) and the last one is of me and pip.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hello chrisw,

I don't know whether you've already seen my reply on the "Animals" thread??
(Post no:8)
I won't repeat myself here, but would just like to add a couple of things I've thought of since.

I totally agree about only giving bottled water to drink.
In the summer, we added ice cubes to our dog's water - at very frequent intervals!
We don't have any outside space at the moment, so we couldn't use the hose pipe trick suggested by Mercedes - but we did invest in a "Supersoaker" (giant water pistol!) and we had great fun and games with that!
Our dog thought it was really exciting to try and catch the water in her mouth, and was more than happy to be squirted at whilst standing in the shade :D

She seems to have settled very quickly and happily, and loves all the freedom she's got to run around the countryside.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

This is a brilliant dog thread!!
There are some gorgeous looking dogs, but I have to admit to being rather biased towards the German shepherds!

What did your boy do to his knee, sam parky? How is he now?

Martha, those dogs are SO cute! Pip looks thoroughly gorgeous.
jandy44, George looks to be a totally loved and spoilt dog!! :D
Hillybilly, your Staffie looks like a real character!
Mercedes, hurry up and get a photo of your GSD on here please!

chris, like I said, I'm biased when it comes to GSDs - but your boy is VERY handsome :)
What's his name?
I bet he has great fun running on the beach?

Here are a couple of photos of our GSD bitch (aged nearly 8) enjoying her new life in the sun

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Here's my little darling, poppy poodle-doo. Not really a poodle, she's a small yorkie. She thinks she's a scarf - as soon as you sit on the sofa she's around your neck. She will be coming with us.

Sadly our little boy, Buster (big Yorkie) will be staying with our son as he's a bit old to travel and it wouldn't be fair on him to subject him to the heat so suddenly, after living in Birmingham for so long. He was 18 in february and we've had him since he was 2 from Yorkie rescue. People are very insensitive - they ask me when Buster's going to "peg it". I just hope that he will go on forever, brightening up our grandchildrens' lives as much as he brightens ours up.

So our little girl Poppy will have to learn some Spanish. And it's not so easy for her now she's over seven.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

They are all so beautiful.

Brisca, your Shephard is a dream and ditto on your comments on jandy's, Hillbilly's and Mercedes' dogs. Adding sjrw's Poppy scarf to that list as well! They just all have such a unique personality.

I love cats too, but Michael is not too keen *pout*

Anyone have pics of their cats?

Hey, this reminds me of a dog vs cat diary....... *l*

Dog Diary vs Cat Diary
EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY

Day number 180

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 181

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 182

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!


EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

DAY 752

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.

DAY 765

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768

I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid?! My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer.." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774

I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured.

But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

That was brilliant, Martha!

There aren't many things that make me laugh out loud - but that was EXCELLENT!

And you wonder why Michael isn't keen on cats!????!

PS Thank you for your kind words about our dog :)

All the best, Sam.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hello sjrw :)

Haven't seen you before - welcome!

Poppy is lovely!
It's funny you know, but my GSD isn't very keen on other dogs (unless they're puppies!)
For all her size, she's a bit of a wimp when it comes to other dogs, and she has to take her time deciding whether she likes having them around or not.
However, she ALWAYS likes Yorkies! Maybe it's because they're small, so she thinks they're puppies??

Anyway, when are you moving, and where to?
It will be interesting to know whether Poppy picks up any Spanish!
Our dog has found that good old dog communication is a bit like Esperanto! :D

I'm sure you're doing the right thing for Buster, considering his great age.
He must be very well loved, and I'm sure your grandchildren will love having his company and all the joys a dog can bring.

Good luck with your move :)

Best wishes,
Sam.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

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Hi again everyone,goergous dogs on here,thanks Brisca for your comments about George,yes he is thourally spoilt, I got him five years ago at five months old,my hubby didn't want me to have a dog let alone a boxer,I lost my son five years ago feb.if it wasn't for George I dont know how I would of got this far,he as been as good as gold.He as had two ops on his back leg and has been through the mill.He had a cruciate done two years ago,his leg was never right after that,then he had a cartilage removed the week before Christmas ,it cost a arm and a leg but hes worth it,and he is plodding about just fine now.Each time hes had a op Iv been a blubbering wreck,cried buckets,and when hes come home from the vets Iv stayed up all night with him pampering to his every need.I take him for a long walk morning afternoon and night and then he has his bonio which he takes to bed.He is a funny old thing though,he gives me a lot of pleasure as only us dog lovers can understand :)

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hi Jean,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your son :(

We don't have any children, so I can only try to imagine how you coped/still cope with such a loss.

However, I totally understand how a dog can help to mend a broken heart; and only dog people can really "get" that connection.
The companionship and love that a dog brings is unbelievable, and I can believe that he really is a rock at your side.
The other good thing of course, is that you can tell your dog ANYTHING - and he/she will never laugh at you, never think you're crazy and will never judge you.
Plus the fact, they NEVER let you down, and they don't tell anyone anything that you've said in a moment of despair!

It sounds like George has had it rough a couple of times too, bless him - but I have no doubt that he was nursed with so much love and care.
No wonder he's got all those lovely soft cushions - a boy's got to take care of his poorly legs! :D

What do you think George will make of his new life in Spain, and how imminent is it?

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Oh Brisca thank you so much for your lovely reply,Im nearly in tears,yes George has been my rock,we are hoping to move within the next twelve months ,sooner if we can,we have a few things to finish on the house before we can put it on the market,Andy is tiling in the kitchen as we speak,he works such long hours its a job fitting everything in.Iv been busy looking at web sites at houses ect ,as you know only got lappy a month ago so its all new to me,but its giving me another outlet to keep me occupied.By the way I love your dog,mind you Im a softy I could adopt them all.xxx

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

He has had two major operations on his knees. His knee socket was too shallow for his knee ball, so he has had to have them chiselled out to be made deeper. He has still got pins in both his knees but hopefully will be having them out in the next couple of weeks.

Love all the doggy pics, keep them coming.

Sam

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

[He has had two major operations on his knees. His knee socket was too shallow for his knee ball, so he has had to have them chiselled out to be made deeper. He has still got pins in both his knees but hopefully will be having them out in the next couple of weeks.]

OUCH! :eek:
Poor lad!

Sounds like he (and you) have had a rough time.
He's not very old, is he?

Really hope all goes well for him, and that the pins and everything will be out soon.
Has he been a good patient!?

Sounds like you've got some helpful Vet advice from Steve too :)

Wishing you and your dog all the best,
Sam.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hi all,
Not long got in from work and trying to catch up with the GREAT posts and pics!
Response frome Josh's mum, Chris

Martha, I did! I did do it didn't I? :thumbsup: Loved the pics of Poppy and Pip and of you and Michael (does Michael know you took those pics? ha ha) Lovely smile from Poppy, and OH, that little Pip! They are both so cute! Loved the "Exerpts from a dog's diary"! It was SO accurate of the differences
between a dog and cat's personality. The dog is "manic" at any possible activity and interaction, whereas the cat is so "supersillious and independent and always seem to be looking down their noses at you. Don't get me wrong, I love cats, and we have had some lovely cats over the years, but dogs are just SO different!

Brisca. What a beauty your dog is, she doesn't look 8 does she? That is a great idea about the "water pistol" and ice cubes. Josh's favourite thing in the whole wold is to play with the garden hose. I cannot water the flowers unless I first tell him: "No, stay Josh, first the flowers, and then Joshey" Well actually, that doesn't work either! And I have yet to finish a Bacardi and coke, and have any ice cubes left for me drink! I hate my drink without ice, an' all!

Sam, what a little tweetie pie your little boy is! And hasn't he gone through it? Poor little thing! Hope he will soon be better!

Mercedes, do try and post some pics of your GSD, and I will pass on the "blind date" invitation to Josh! :rofl: What is your dog's name Mercedes? And yet another good idea about having a bath, or something to pluge in! My shopping list is getting longer by the minute!

Hillbilly, I posted response earlier, but definately think your Staffie should be nominated for "sunbather of the year award"!

Sjrw, Hi Sjrw, nice to post you! Lovely picture of "Poppy poodle doo" your little Yorkie! :D Another little charmer! I am sorry you have to leave Buster,
but feel the same as you, that it would be a very big upheavel for such a "distinguished old gentleman". It must be very hard for you nevertheless! I am sure your son and grandchildren will take VERY good care of him though!

Jandy44, it looks like it's you and me for the computer "I dunno how to do it " prize then! You have a very good excuse however, you have only had your
"lappy" for a month! I wish I could think of an excuse for not being able to fathom mine out, I've had a computer for about 9 years now! Mind you, I have progressed recently, and am now able to turn it on all by myself ( be prepared to be very impressed now!) without the manual!!
The pictures of George are great. I see he too is rather partial to a pillow as is my Josh! Hope is will be ok now after all his ordeals!
I am so very sorry to have heard about your son. It must have been, and no doubt still is very painfull for you and am sure that George has been heaven
sent to have comforted you at such a time. I will look forward to seeing new posts from you, and in tracking your progress towards moving to Spain. God bless! :)

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hi Chris,

I'm going to sound like Big Pete now....................!

What are you doing, just getting in from work THIS late at night, young lady!?
(Knowing how some people's minds work on this forum, you could be in for some dodgy guesses at your occupation!! :eek: )

Knowing that you're a bit of a computer techno-phobe like me (!) I thought I'd let you know I've just sent you a PM.
Am only mentioning it, because someone kindly sent me one a while back - and I didn't notice for THREE weeks!!

Well done on putting a photo onto the thread.
I only managed it for the first time last week (with a lot of help from jdr and Lionda) and I remember what a buzz I got out of that (very minor) achievement!

Sounds like you, me and jandy44 are all in the same boat when it comes to using computers!

Am off out for the last walk of the night now, so goodnight John Boy and all! :D
Sam

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

:lol:
Glad I was of some help Sam :) There are some lovely pics of some gorgeous dogs on here - here's a pic of one of my cats Thomas wearing a footie shirt kindly supplied by my daughter :lol:
Also one of Holly the Collie my daughters dog.

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

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Hi all ,thanks very much for the replies,and comments,especially Chris and Brisca,this as been a great thread with lots of very useful information,it dont half cheer me up reading some of the comments,I appreciate your help on here,Hey Chis Im glad Im not the only one struggling with this tech stuff,I have tried to change the text on this post,watch this space cause nothing will happen!!!!der....... Oh well never mind Im off surfing :thumbsup:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Type out your message then highlight the part you want to change font or colour and click on the arrow next to the 'A' for the colour chart, pick a colour and the words will be that colour. Do the same for the font :)

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Glad I was able to help jandy :) I'm still feeling low but I've taken a frozen fresh cream gateau out of the freezer so I will be ok once that's thawed :lol:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Hi Lionda,

Thomas looks very chuffed to be wearing that footie shirt!!?? ;)
He's a handsome boy, isn't he?

Holly the Collie - how cool is she! :)

Don't let either of them near that fresh cream gateau - I bet they could finish it off in record time!!

Chin up :)

Sam xx

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

They will have to fight me for it :lol:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

OOOOPS Nautie but nice Mmmmmmmm :thumbsup:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Right, since everybody else is posting pics of their dogs I will post one of mine.


He aint pretty but I loves him! (and he is a touch confused about a few things so please dont laugh)

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Trust you Matt :lol:

Re: How did your dog settle in Spain?
 

Probably heard human men saying they like pussy and took it on board literally.