Elliephants

Hope for Romanian dogs at Speranta Shelter

Speranta means hope and that’s exactly what three generations …

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A Spanish road trip with my rescue dog

When we fostered Vinnie during the first lockdown back in …

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10 reasons to foster a dog

As a result of the cost of living crisis, rehoming …

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Elliephants

Hope for Romanian dogs at Speranta Shelter

Speranta means hope and that’s exactly what three generations of women are giving to hundreds of dogs in Romania. 

Earlier this year, my rescue dog Vinnie donned his best bow tie and joined me at the Tea and Tails afternoon tea event at Love My Human Townhouse Cafe in Chelsea. Alongside delicious treats and a professional portrait by pet photographer Amie Barron, we were there to learn about the inspiring work of these women who have dedicated their lives to helping Romania’s stray dogs. 

It all started with grandmother Florina Tusca, who set up the Speranta Foundation and later the shelter. Today, her daughter Anca is lead vet and shelter manager, while her granddaughter Sara, who has been part of the shelter since she was a baby, now works alongside her mother. 

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A Spanish road trip with my rescue dog

A Spanish road trip with my rescue dog

When we fostered Vinnie during the first lockdown back in March 2020, I never imagined we would be driving through Spain with him two–and-a-half-years later. 

But, handing over the keys to the new owners of what was our first home coincided with the end of my contract role (plus the fact our friends were currently living in Spain) – it became an opportunity we couldn’t refuse. 

We packed up my mini, strapped in Vinnie and set off for the Eurotunnel over to Calais. Nearly 10 hours and 700 miles (with a few stopovers) later and we arrived at our first stop in Spain – San Sebastian. From here we would make our way down to Seville, followed by Zahora where we would then follow the coastline to Valencia – our final stop for Christmas Day. 

Fancy driving through Europe with your four-legged friend? Here’s what you need to know. 

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10 reasons to foster a dog

10 reasons to foster a dog

As a result of the cost of living crisis, rehoming centres are seeing an increase in dogs being handed over while at the same time there is a decrease in adoptions. More and more people are worried about how they are going to put food on the table for themselves let alone in their dog’s bowl. 

Dogs Trust has had record numbers wanting to rehome their dog. While in June, a YouGov survey for the RSPCA found that 78% of owners thought the crisis would affect their pet with 19% worried about how they would feed them. 

Are you wondering how you can help? In March 2020 we fostered a dog for the first time during lockdown and now, foster carers are needed more than ever. For dog lovers it has just as many benefits for you as it does for the pup. So here’s why, if you can, you should consider doing it too. 

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A festive trip to Barbados

Snorkelling with turtles

I spent much of lockdown dreaming about the feeling of soft sand and a warm breeze on my skin while looking out to sea, listening to the waves crash against the shore. In December, just over two years since last stepping on a plane, this dream became a reality when Dan, Ella, Robin and I jetted off to Barbados. 

It’s the first festive trip I’ve been on, let alone to somewhere hot. Wooly hats, scarves and gloves were swapped for sunglasses and swimwear in preparation for the 30 degrees we’d be stepping off the plane into. 

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Tips for taking your pooch on a dog-friendly city break

Edinburgh

Alongside many others, we have spent much more time exploring the UK over the last couple of years. A big benefit of this is being able to take our pooch with us. Alongside glamping in Norfolk and staying above a cosy country pub in the Peak District, we also went on a few city breaks. 

In July we went on the train to London for a long weekend to celebrate my birthday. Then, towards the end of the month, we replaced a cancelled festival with a road trip to Edinburgh – stopping at York for a night on the way to break up the journey – and the edge of the North York Moors on the way back.

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