I tried the Pet Scheme but an error in timing and an erased hard drive at the vet's office after hurricane Wilma left me in the lurch. I have two Greyhounds that I had microchipped and titer-ed and a fantastic job opportunity in London and a HUGE decision of what to do next. Quarantine was a must and I was dreading it something awful. My Greys had come from a kennel situation and I did not want them to have to go back to it, certainly not for six months. My friends in Fort Lauderdale sympathised but could not help with boarding and the situation was beginning to look grim as time was running out. Though a web search I was locating kennels close to London and getting quotes. HOLLY COW!! £1500/month near Heathrow and £1300 in Kent!! As they would have been located in England, they could not leave their caged area. Visits would have limited to couple hours and no visits on Sundays!
It was by accident I found Canni-Exel in France. Reluctant at first, I did some investigating and made contact with Hanna and Renee'. They were immensely helpful and asked questions I hadn't even thought of. They helped with travel arrangements and payment issues were easily dealt with via credit card. They are located in the picturesque Brittany Coast in the north of France. If you have never been, it's worth a visit. The region is pristine and bursting with charm and character with immaculate villages and clearly marked roads for your travels. The French are also very dog friendly people.
The dogs arrived in Paris and were transported to their new temporary farm home outside Plancoet. They were received by Renee' who is also a Veterinary Nurse and introduced to their new home for the next six months. And what a home! It's basically a giant dog house!! A 14th century fully updated farm home with sofas and dogs beds galore, an open front door that leads to an enormous outdoor play area, even a big flat screen TV to watch when they've 'had enough'.
Visiting my Greys was wonderful. Our first visit was like a family vacation. A quick Ferry boat ride and we picked up the 'kids', went site seeing and ran and played on the beaches. We stayed at a lovely Chateau and the dogs slept in the bed with us. Our next visit, we stayed in the ancient town of Dinan and toured Mont St Michael. Amazing!!
Canni-Exel is an excellent Kenneling alternative that I highly recommend and the cost is a third of what the 'Detention Centers' in London wanted!! Vet care is included and they handle the passport and travel issues to the UK.
I'm happy to say we are making our final trip to Brittany this weekend. Six months is finally up!
