Dogging in Spain

Inez Robinson

Ive lived in Spain for over 20 years, and when I moved over in 1995 with my 1st husband, 2 very young kids and a handful of clothes, we brought our dog with us. Oh how she loved lazing in the sun, until it was time for her to pass over rainbow bridge. It was so painful, I couldn’t see me ever having another, well, not for a long time anyway.

But life seemed empty in some way. I was busy with work, raising kids and at that time being a single mum.

However, a few years ago I met my soulmate, now my husband, and a few months into our flourishing relationship, he mentioned about getting a dog. Well, I had just got used to peace and quiet, no mess, and now hmmmmm hairs and stuff! But when we saw an 11 month old Golden Retriever needing a home, we couldn’t say no.

We had our own office, we were both working in the property sector, and so why not was really the thought. Excitedly we drove up to Murcia from Marbella and took delivery of this gorgeous boy. Who pulled like a train and ate like a horse!

A few months later with intensive training, and he had us trained beautifully! LOL no, he was great fun to have, and so it was only fitting a few years after that we would go the Spanish Settlers way and adopt more – we only ever adopt or rescue and now have 5 fur-babies – great fun and yes hard work but they don’t have to dampen your lifestyle.

After all, what better way than to spend a Sunday, knee high in cold water extracting a retriever from a river who doesn’t want to leave his stone behind??

Spain is really catching on to pet owning too, several beaches are designated dogs only – the 4 legged kind not the ugly ones J, loads of dog parks and of course well behaved ones are welcome everywhere – which reminds me of a funny story, my kids went back to the UK several years ago while under the age of 16. Their dad tried to take them into a pub, and they had to wait in the porch while he asked. They noticed a sign on the door saying No Children, but also that Dogs were Welcome, at which point a lady with a dog walked past them into the bar. They were most offended as in Spain kids and dogs can go everywhere. Did make me chuckle though .

Have a great week all of you and thank you for reading .

Blog by : Inez Robinson