corfu dogs in uk

When Julie and I moved back to the UK in 1997, we brought Bonnie with us.  There was no way I could have left without her.

She was born in Nissaki in October 1993 one of several puppies.  Her mother Violetta was owned by Greeks, but left very much to her own devices (and the goodwill of Ex Pats and visitors) and could be seen regularly patrolling around Nissaki, especially near the tavernas.  Violetta featured in a beach scene in the one off special of the comedy "Outside Edge".  They moved her several times from the beach during filming, but she kept returning, so they eventually decided to keep her in it.  Violetta was long haired and very gentle and good natured. 

Bonnie got her beautiful temperament from Violetta and was a darker reddish brown colour with short hair. 

Although I didn't want to take on a pet at that time because of work comittments and an uncertain future, I eventually succumbed to everyone's pleas and took in a fluffy little ball of love.  We bonded very quickly.  She was my companion on many of my mapping expeditions, and always sat quietly in the car as I drove around. 

When things didn't work out for us in Corfu a few years later, Bonnie and I were inseperable.   I took Bonnie on the ferry boat via Venice (She refused to even pee for the whole 25 hour crossing) and we both only managed to snatch a couple of hours sleep by sneaking into a cabin area and crawling together under some seating and pulling some cases in front of us to hide from the crew.  She lay as still as anything and quiet as a mouse.  (There was no way I was going to leave her alone overnight in the kennels at the rear of the ship.)

We drove overland to Calais where we caught an earlier ferry than originally planned.  This was a mistake, as we discovered on entering Dover.   There was no-one to receive us as had been planned and we were directed off the ferry, despite protesting that we had a dog onboard who was being met for quarantining.

I ended up being arrested and questioned by the port police who we had actually called, to sort out the matter.  The two hours we had saved were more than lost as the mess was sorted out. 

I was distraught as Bonnie was temporarily placed in a concrete pen awaiting the company we had arranged for her quarantine.  It was then several weeks before I was able to see her in the quarantine kennels.  She was moved three times because of lack of spaces, but eventually I was able to visit her regularly as she was sent to a place just outside of Lincoln, only 40 or so miles away from where we lived.

It was very distressing to have to leave her each time.  In those days of course, there was no alternative to six months quarantine. so we just had to put up with it.

It was a brilliant day when we were able to collect her and let her loose in the fields for a run.   I think we were all ecstatic.

Bonnie and I had many lovely walks together in this country until she passed away after a short illness in 2005.  It was the most devastating day in my life. 

Even just over two years later it still hurts, and I miss her many times each day.  She was the most loving, gentle, undemanding companion anyone could wish for. 

I am so glad that her memory is kept alive in other peoples minds through my involvement with the AAWF and this site.  She will always be close to me, no matter what.

Stephan