Guest blog post by Ariane Franke
We are a large family of two adults, two children, two dogs and two cats and if we can do things as a family then we will usually do so. One thing we have yet to achieve is to holiday as a family. The cats have never really seemed that bothered about being left behind in a luxury cattery but the dogs have never enjoyed the kennels and we have had many a sulking dog post holiday. We decided last year to attempt a proper family holiday (minus the cats who just didn’t care).
Our first decision was should we go abroad or stay more local in the UK. While obtaining a pet passport seemed relatively simple, we decided to try and keep costs down and stay in the UK. We thought we would look at going down towards Cornwall way having never been there before but knowing it was beautiful. Our friends had told us that it was an ideal place to go with children and dogs, plenty of long walks and lots of fresh air to wear the lot of them out.
We looked at staying in a suitable pet hotel and did find a few chains online as well as small private hotels that welcomed dogs for a small refundable deposit and a small daily/weekly charge. Whilst the hotels all looked lovely we decided to stay in a dog friendly cottage which meant that we could come and go as we pleased and not worry about disturbing other guests with our loud family.
When packing for the holiday I hadn’t anticipated how many extra things I would need when including dogs on the holiday. I had to pack a week’s supply of dog food, suitable dog bedding and covers for their furniture in case my dogs got a bit over comfy on it, their favorite toys and even their water and food bowls in case the cottage did not have any to lend us. I also had to source a suitable dog bed to go in the boot of the car and a dog gate in the car to ensure they did not leap over the back seats on the journey down.
Despite the added stress and baggage I can safely say it was a great holiday, one which was enjoyed by everyone and one we would take again. Children and dogs were completely exhausted by the end of every day and the journey home was the quietest and sleepiest one I have ever known.
http://www.allaboutcornwall.com/Dog_Friendly_Cornwall/Dog_Friendly_Beaches_Cornwall.html
http://www.allaboutcornwall.com/Dog_Friendly_Cornwall/Cornwall_Dog_Guide.html
http://www.thecornishcoast.co.uk/
