Dog Dumping Season.

In many parts of Europe, the end of August heralds the dog-dumping season. Many holidaymakers take their old or sick dogs with them, then leave them behind when they return home. It isn't unusual to see dogs wandering roadside looking lost. It's a horrible thing to do, but in many European countries dogs are seen very differently to how they are in the UK.

Whilst walking with Billy recently, Lady M found this little dog (below), which then followed her home. Luckily for this one, he had a collar and tag, and was simply 'lost'; having wandered too far from home. We phoned the owner, and he came to collect. The little dog had travelled about 6 Kms, and was tired and thirsty. He was very calm and friendly.

It has to be said, that when the dog's owner turned-up to collect him, neither dog nor owner seemed particularly relieved at seeing each other. 

My first experience of dumped-dogs was on the island of Majorca back in the mid-60's. Where ever we went walking, a gang of about 12 dogs would follow us, all looking as if they'd love us to take them home.

There were some lovely dogs amongst them, but we could do nothing; just feed them.

Over the years we've had lots of dogs turn-up at the house. Some were hunting dogs who'd simply got lost, but most had been dumped. We also had one cat.