by Roslyn Ocionnaith

Created on: June 02, 2008   Last Updated: June 03, 2008

Holiday times can become quite stressful, not only to dog owners but also their dogs! As I volunteered at a shelter, I found many dogs brought in for a week or more. Holiday time meant! Dogs had to be kenneled. This used to annoy me. I asked myself why should dogs not be allowed on holiday with their owners? Little did I know.

As I traveled from East Scotland to Dublin, using train and ferry ... I found the following. My Old English Sheepdog attracted everyone's attention. Children wanted to pat him, running to him, screaming. Naturally he became frightened. Traveling in the train was not easy for either of us. I had to reassure him as people walked past us and when a man made to sit near me ... My dog was quick to let him know that no one sits next to mummy, part from him of course! Arriving in Stranraer I looked forward to sitting on deck with my dog. Sadly new ferry means ... Dogs have to be kenneled for the crossing. Kennels are set in the garage. Car fumes, no natural light. My dog howled through the crossing. he did not appreciate the lock up next to a rather mean looking dog who managed to pinch his teddy bear!

By the time we arrived in Dublin, we were both exhausted. My mind was made up ... "Never again". Needless to say that he agreed with me.

We moved to Ireland and looked forward to a week away in Galway. My partner, dog and I embarked on a car journey then decided to stop over night. I had bought a dog magazine, browsed at 'Dog Friendly' Accommodations. I felt we were in luck as I found a B'n'B in the magazine. The owner confirmed to us that his B'n'B was indeed dog friendly. My Old English Sheepdog was only a puppy then. As I waited to find out where our room was, my dog's snuggly under my arm for the night, the owner told me that dogs slept in the garage. I asked him why, argued that! His advert in the magazine made no mention of a garage. Las he did not listen, assured me that my dog would be fine. We did think of leaving but my partner suffered a rather vile migraine. No choice on the matter, we had to follow the owner's rules. I filled my dog's traveling bowls with his favourite mineral water and food. I left his snuggly and favourite teddy bear with him.

Came morning time I demanded to see my dog. The owner explained that dogs remained locked up until departure time. "You wouldn't have a dog at the breakfast table" Said he. I retorted that my dog was always at the table, breakfast, lunch and dinner and insisted. He became rather annoyed with me

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