Having taken a bit of a break from house/pet sitting to renovate a holiday rental property in Turkey, we headed back to Europe, arriving in Paris early in June 2016. We picked up our rental car for the summer. First stop was a week’s holiday on Lake Constance in Germany for a bit of rest and relaxation. Then it was onward to Munich for our first house/pet sit. Staying in an apartment on the outskirts of this wonderful city. We would be looking after Eis (pronounced Ice), an adorable, very cute and highly intelligent Maltese Terrior puppy and Harley,(a little old lady of 12) Heinz 57 breed, with the gentlest temperament, she had the role of older sister to Eis. The owners, Shell and Amy, a lovely couple made us very welcome, took the time to show us the local area. Eis and Harley, quickly showed us some of their favourite walks.
We both agreed it was so nice to get back to having animals in our lives. They were both a joy to look after.
Unfortuantely, the weather was rather inclement most of the time, and not really liking the wet both Eis and Harley where reluctant to go very far (“Honest Tom and Sue just take us to some grass and let's get back home before we all get wet through!”). However, on the whole we did enjoy mostly sunny days, the local field and park were visited frequently. (“Come on Tom and Sue this is our favourite place!”), Eis had us in stitches as we watched him bounding around in the long grass, disappearing and then up would pop a little white head with ears flapping in the breeze. Then it was onto the park, the grass a lot shorter here and we were entertained with a mad 5/10 minute of Eis running around and around in circles, complete with buzzing past Harley, and giving her a quick nudge to try and engage her in this activity. Harley, bless her, put up with this and lots of other attempts to play, but was just not interest. The only time she would put Eis in his place was at dinner time and then she was definitely pack leader…there was nothing coming between this girl and her food!
Harley also loved her treats but gave us quite a scare when she got a rawhide chew stuck in her throat…we tried everything, massaging her throat, tried to clear her airway, Tom even tried doing the Heinrich Manoeuvre, but to no avail, the poor darling, lost her bowels all over the floor. It was clear she was in distress, Quick action was called for so we spoke urgently with the vet and then It was an emergency dash to the clinic. Fortunately, the object dislodged on the way out to the car, freeing her airway again. We took her in anyway, being an older dog thought it best to get her checked out. The vet was pleased and she was given the all clear. She came prancing out the vets as if nothing had happened….Tom and I however, are now supporting a lot more grey hairs from the whole scary experience!!!
We did explore a little in and around Munich and really enjoy the city. Much to my delight and Tom’s horror, it had some great shopping! However, a visit to the Bier Keller and Tom was once more a happy boy!
The owner’s Shell and Amy returned from holiday and it was an absolute joy to see how much both Harley and Eis were pleased to see them. We handed back their leads, somewhat reluctantly, we had really become attached to these two.
Thank you Amy and Shell for an amazing opportunity and to Eis and Harley thank you for looking after us, entertain us and showing us around.