Destinations in Crete: Lake Kournas & Georgioupoli

Hi pawfriends! It's me Luna again 🐶 I have a very cool new destination to share wif you: Lake Kournas located in the municipality of Chania. Only a 33 minute drive from Rethymno and 46 minutes from Chania city! 

Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake. All year round the mountain springs keep non stop running and therefore it is a very impawtent part of the Cretan ecosystem, together with the surrounding area it is protected by Natura2000. The depth is 22,5 meters, length 1080meters and width 880meters. It's located on the slopes of the White Mountains so you will have a breathtaking view while exploring the area.

On the side where the restaurants are located (this is also the side where you can park your car) there is a small organised beach with sunbeds for the lazy hoomans, in the morning it's pretty calm but in the afternoon it's less dog friendly because of the crowds.

If you have active hoomans like mine you can go do some watersports! You can rent a SUP, kayak or even a pedal boat where 4 hoomans (including mini hoomans also 👪) + dog can fit on easily! ⛵ We choose the last option and it was soooo much fun! On the back of the boat there is a small staircase attached so your hoomans can climb out of the water easily. Yes you read it correct.. swimming is possible in the lake! You might meet a duck 🦆 or turtle 🐢 on the deeper side of the lake while swimming and while peddling you will be accompanied by fishies that swim along your boat🐟🐠

I would recommend to wear a life jacket for safety so your hoomans can lift you out of the water if needed💦 

Afterwards you can have a nice dinner 🍽️ at Kournas or pay a visit to Georgioupoli a small costal town which is only a 10min drive of Kournas. There is a nice sandy beach 🏖️ which extends (9km) in different parts so you can find a comfy spot to swim, many restaurants and cafe's, hotels and the church of Agios Nikolaos that is build at the end of a pier which you can easily walk. It's the perfect spot for shooting picturesque pictures! Many hoomans get engaged 💍 or married there because of the romantic vibes. ☺️

Sunrise in Georgioupoli, in the background
you can see the Agios Nikolaos church

Luna's final verdict 🐶😜:

Kournas lake is the place to be for doggies and their humans if you like swimming in sweet water lakes, spotting small wild animals such as turtles 🐢 and combining it with a nice dinner or visit to the small town of Georgioupoli. Also it is very suitable for families with kids since both in Kournas & Georgioupoli there are small playgrounds available.

Border Collie Rescue SA

 Hi pawfriends it's me Luna again! 🐾 Today I want your pawttention for a very special dog rescue:

Border Collie Rescue SA! Yes you read it correctly, this rescue is specialized in Border Collies! Border Collies have the best working drive, they look cute and perfect for families and they easily melt peoples hearts with all the cool tricks they can do.. but therefore it goes very often wrong. If they are rehomed by normal shelters quiet often they end up in homes with people that are not educated enough how to handle the specific breed which can end up dramatically with a dog that starts herding kids, cats and everything that moves or even worse serious bite incidents.. 

Border Collie Rescue's target is to find the best new home for their rescues and spread awareness at the same time about the wonderful Border Collie as a breed. 

Border Collie Rescue is a registered non-profit organization since 1999 that:

-Provides rehabilitation for abandoned and abused Border Collies

-Provides foster homes for Border Collies in need and takes care of the full costs such as kenneling   fees, sterilization, food, etc..

-Finds forever adoptive homes when the dogs are physically and mentally ready for a new family 

-Provides counseling/referral services to Border Collie owners

- Help Border Collie owners that through no fault of their own, can no longer care for their beloved friend and need to find a new home.

-Raise awareness and educate the public about the very specific needs of the Border Collie breed

- And so much more..

In the years 2019/2020 they had:

• 532 dogs in kennels rehomed
• 7715 kennel days paid
• 238 dogs microchipped
• 91 dogs sterilized and neutered (some dogs arrive into the rescue already fixed)
• 108 dogs received all the necessary veterinary treatment
• last but not least they travelled 18575km!!! to collect dogs in need

Sounds amazing, isn't it? 

All this hard work is done by staff & volunteers that do not receive any remuneration but purely do it for the love they have for the breed. They spend their time for free to ensure the abandoned and abused Border Collies get the care and love they deserve. In my opinion this are real life heroes! 

But here it the thing.. they need our help! 

"Because together we achieve what no one can achieve alone." 

This is their favorite quote and I love it too!

Here are 11 easy ways how we can help: 

1. Adopt a Border Collie (currently this option is only available for people that live in Africa since the procedure and cost to bring a dog to EU, UK or USA are very difficult. 
2. Help cover kenneling costs, you can do this for one month or more. Border Collie Rescue organization will keep you up to date about the dog that's in "your" kennel. 
3. Become a friend of BCR: You will receive a quarterly newsletter. Membership fees are R1000.00 once off or annual R200
4. Sponsor a spray or neuter: this is super important, all dogs get sprayed or neutered before moving to their forever homes.
5. If you are in the South Africa area you can foster an older dog in need. BCR will cover the costs for food and veterinary care.
6. Send pawsome pictures that can be used for the yearly calendar, the funds raised from the calendar sales will be used to cover the shelters costs.
7. Suggest companies that might be interested in sponsoring BCR
8. Leave a legacy to BCR
9. Download the CollieMoji app, 40% of each download goes to BCR. To participate download the app from this link You can also turn your own dog in an emoji! Available for any dog breed, click here for more info. 
10. Shop online at the Border Collie Rescue website, you can find merch and other cute Collie related items. BCR online shop
11. and last but not least: spread the word, so the world knows their wonderful mission!🐾 If you have any fun ideas to set up your own fundraiser campaign don't hesitate to contact Dina-Vera, she is super friendly and will gladly discuss about the possibilities.

Zapper: Scan to donate easy&fast

 

A little bit more details about the costs of the rescue organization:

On average a dog remains 39 days in a rescue before finding a home during this time several things are done such as:

-Deworming (R50 per dog)

- Microchip (R150) 

- Vaccinations (R400)

- Neutering (R800)

- Cost per kennel day R180 in high season and R99 normal rate + food expenses.

- Average costs per homed dog: R4689,00

Because Border Collie Rescue is located in South Africa the amounts are shown in South African Rand. R100 = 5.75 euro = 4.87 Pound sterling. 

Easiest way to donate from overseas is through this link. Giveandgain makes it easier since you can choose your own currency.

This means that if we even donate a "small" amount in euro or pound this can already help many dogs in SA in need. 🐶

SnapScan: Scan to donate easy&fast

 

Impawtent info/contact details:

Address: Border Collie Rescue Non Profit Organization 

Nr. 006 620 P O Box 21161 Roodepoort Helderkruin 1733

Bank details:  Account Name: Border Collie Rescue 

Standard Bank Cresta Account Nr: 226 387 399 IBT: 051001

General info: DV (Dina-Vera) +27 82 772 8525 / Dinaverasch@gmail.com

Adoptions: Julie:  mwmoz@mweb.co.za / +27 11 3952259 or +27 82 887 9668

Website: https://bordercollierescue.co.za/

Page with all details about adoption or volunteering: 
https://bordercollierescue.co.za/volunteer/#adopt

Social media channels: 

Twitter and Instagram : #collierescuesa 

YouTube Channel: Border Collie Rescue South Africa 

Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Border-Collie-Rescue-SA/130068410401353

©️All the pictures in this article belong to the Border Collie Rescue organization, do not use or reproduce this without their permission. 

Destinations in Crete: Preveli palm beach & Vasilis rock beach

Woof! Welcome to my blog pawfriends. 🐾 I have a new destination for you! In my last roadtrip we drove to South Rethymno where you can find the famous Preveli palm beach (named like this because of the big palm forest right next to the river that ends up in the sea) and we combined it with a visit to the beach right next to Preveli. Less famous but not less fun there. Let me show you around and bark about where is the best place to go! 🐾

Pitstop on the way to Preveli

How to reach Preveli?

Preveli is a 50 minute drive from the big city Rethymno. The best way is to take the main road from Rethymno and pass from the Kourtaliotiko gorge. Passing from that road will give you many points to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views. We followed the way to Vasilis rock beach because there is plenty of parking space, a nice tavern, supermarket and rent rooms if you want to spend the night there. 

From there starts a 20min uphill walk to Preveli palm beach, the path is safe to walk for dogs too, only in summertime be careful as the temperatures might be too high. 

View over the Preveli bay from the walk path

After our 20 minute walk we arrived at the Preveli beach, it was super crowded and we had a little bit of a problem finding a comfy spot to relax. We managed to find shadow under the trees behind the small chapel. My dad went to explore the river parts as well as the beach but unfortunately because of the massive crowds swimming for me was not possible. At all time I was on leash close to mama but sadly many tourists didn't liked or where scared of dogs so my humans respect that. I still had a nice time chilling in the shade wif my snacks and toys that mum had brought from home. 

In the afternoon we walked back to the parking and right there in front I had the most pawsome time in Vasilis Rock Beach! Only the parts on the right side are taken by sun beds but at the left it's completely free and not crowded. The waters where crystal clear and shallow, pawfect for a dive into the sea! For me as a doggo this beach was way better then the touristic Preveli palm beach. 

After our swim we decided to check out the tavern there and I was welcomed by the friendly owner. We had a very yummy dinner there. Highly recommend Dionyssos Tavern!

Luna's final verdict 🐶🐾😃:

For me as a doggy the Preveli palm beach was nice for walkies but too crowded for a swim. I had a much better time at the calm Vasilis rock beach & the Dionyssos tavern. In case you have limited time and come on a hot summer day I would skip Preveli. If you can come a little later on the day when the sun is down the walkie is worth it (in afternoon many tourists leave Preveli also). 

Videoclip of Luna in Vasilis Rock Beach

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVvmQdJtSG/?utm_medium=copy_link

How old can a Border Collie become?

Woof! It's me Luna again! 🐾Todays topic is the "lifespan" of a Border Collie. It's one of the most frequently asked questions by people that would like to buy or adopt a Border Collie. In this blog I will answer this question and give my top tips for a longer and healthier life.

The average lifespan of a Border Collie:

It's hard to predict the future but commonly the lifespan of a BC* is around 12-15 years. My mum's first BC reached the age of 15 but she also has had a friend that their BC even lived until 17 years. Ofcourse there are many factors that play a role such as genetics, environment, nutrition, etc.. The most important is to make sure that your BC lives not only long but also a comfortable and qualitative live.

Luna's top tips for a happy and healthy life:

1. It all starts with the purchase/adoption.

Purchase from a responsible breeder that tests his/her dogs on genetic diseases (DNA tests, scans for hip/elbow dysplasia,..) and makes sure to avoid as much as possible inbreeding. Ideally you want a dog to have less than 10% COI (Coefficient of inbreeding). A breeder should be able to tell you the COI if they can't its a big red flag or in other words a NO go!

In case of adoption check if the dog has a pedigree, if so check for possible inherited diseases in the parents/family lines. Talk to the shelter and try to harvest as much information as possible. Sometimes dogs in shelters come with a specific health problem but this is absolutely not always the case. 

Buying or adopting is always a risk but in case of adoption if you are aware the dog has existing problems think twice before making the commitment. In any case a dog is for life!

2. Limit the amount of stress and toxins in your dog's daily life.

Just like humans, dogs also suffer if they have to much stress. A stress free dog is a happy dog! 

In regard with the toxins we should try to avoid  things like: air fresheners, laundry detergent, bleach based floor cleaning products,dog shampoos, food coloring, etc.. A Barf diet or high quality kibble in combination with fresh vegies and fruits without any nasty additives is the real nutrition your dog needs. In regard with dog shampoo pick up brands that work with natural ingredients (I love to use soap bars).

And last but not least flea and worming products. Sadly I see many vets overdose dog's without any indication of worm infections. Regarding flea's there are many natural spray's. It is generally know BC's are very sensitive to several deworming and anti flea products ingredients. You can find more about this in my blog post about MDR1-gen.

3. Stay fit, never become obese!

Some call the Border Collie "the athlete" in sheepherding. Can you imagine an athlete trying to run fast with excessive weight? Every extra pound puts so much strain on a BC's heart, joints and also increases the chance for diabetes. 

4. Don't over-train the dog

Border collies are know for their non-stop working drive. I am also one of these dog's! My mum has to tell me very often to take some rest. Just because a BC is capable of working/playing/running all day doesn't mean it's not gonna effect them at the long run. Too much exercise or exercising without warming up leads often to injury's or arthritis. One of the most common mistakes is non-stop tennis ball chasing. It's essential to keep variety between physical and mental exercise and a moderate amount of the time like for example 2 times per day 1 hour instead of 2 hours in a row. 

5. Keep your teefies sparkling white and go reguraly for vet checks.

The better we take care of our BC's teeth the longer they stay healthy. Many elderly dog's suffer from dental issues because of lack of cleaning during their younger years. Also the vet can check the teeth during yearly check ups. Don't wait until it's too late! 

That where my top tips for today, do you think I miss some impawtant aspect? Don't hestitate to send me a DM on Instagram or e-mail
Paw from me🐾

*BC = Border Collie

Destinations in Crete: Fodele

Hi pawfriends it's me Luna again! Today I would like to bark a little more about one of my favorite destinations in Crete. Fodele Village&beach. It's located on the North side of the island, only a 30 minute drive from the capital Heraklion and 45 minutes from Rethymno city. It's also supaw close to the highway and there are busses passing several times a day. 

Fodele is a little rural Village with a lot of character. It's famous for it's El Greco museum where they display prints of his works, the byzantine style church of Panagia and for the beautiful monastery of Agios Panteleimonas (the monastery even has a mini zoo!)

What makes this place so good for dogs?

In the middle of the village passes a small river which makes this the place even on the hottest summer days cool beside of that there are plenty of trees which provide shade and cool spots to play and hang out. 

How I like to spend my day there:

My pawrents take me during the day in the village, there starts a path that goes next to the river. You will meet some friendly sheep and goats and plots with olive and fruit trees. On a certain point the pavement stops but we like to continue from inside the fresh and clean waters. It's absolutely not deep so I can walk safely there.

After our little walk in the river the humans like to drink and snack something in the traditional taverns. If you prefer to do a pick nick (there is a park next to the river with playground and benches) you can buy food and drinks from the mini market.

.

In the afternoon when the sun is not burning anymore we jump in the car and drive to Fodele beach. The distance is 3km or 5min drive. We always go to the beach closest to the gas station. There is plenty of parking space right next to the beach and also a tavern.

The beach is full of small pebbles and not very organized (no sunbeds) which makes it great for me so I can play happily with my squeaky toy without annoying other humans 😎

What do you think furiends? Would you like to spend a day in Fodele?

Happy weekend and paw from me 🐾 

Destinations in Crete: Rethymno

Woof! Welcome to my blog pawfriends, today I would like to show you around a new destination: Rethymno City. Rethymno lies on the North-western side of Crete between Chania and Heraklion.

Old venetian harbour Rethymno

For us Cretans Rethymno is also know as "the student city". There  is a pawfect university (University of Crete) here which attract students from all over Europe and therefore there is also a lot of vibrant nightlife. Beside of that it is also touristically developed.

Must see inside the city:

The old town is beautifully restored dating from the 16th century. The old harbour is Venetian style and inside town you can find buildings with influence from the byzantines. It also has one of the best preserved castles in Crete: "Fortezza of Rethymno". While walking trough the old town you will see the "Porta Guora"(great gate), the "piazza Rimondi" and the "Loggia Veneziana" etc. It's the perfect place to stroll trough the romantic small alley's.

Beach time in Rethymno:

Because of tourism a big part of the beach is occupied with sunbeds however the beach stretches a long end (12km/7.5miles!) which makes it possible for us dog's to find a calm area to play. My pawrents took me next to the watersport area, most people don't like to hang out there because it's a less organized place, it was perfect though to play with my squeaky toy! In the afternoon after 6pm it's also a little calmer and you can have a nice walk at the boulevard right next to the beach without burning your paw pads. 

Food&drinks:

The most popular street to drink and eat something is definitely the one next to the beach. After my swim my pawrents took me to a local gyros place. I was allowed in the outside area and the waiters where so kind to provide me some cool drinking water💧. Because of the touristic taverns it's always best to kindly ask if dog's are allowed to sit in the outside area.

Overall experience as a dog:

Because Rethymno is a small city the local's also take their dog's out in the town which means that the people are used having dog's around, we met some small dogs at our walk in the old town which greeted me very nicely. Locals take their dog's mostly out at the beach (on leash) and in the municipal garden. Walking in the more touristic places is also no problem as long as you keep the streets clean (don't forget poopbags and a bottle of water to wash away pee).  We went in the afternoon for a walk however if you want to walk in the morning keep in mind that the pavements can heat up very quickly. 

Best places to do your poo🚾 inside the city:

- Municipal Garden (Δημοτικός Κήπος/ Igoumenou Gavriil, Rethymno 741 00)

- The area around the Venetian Fortezza Castle 

- Next to the old Venetian harbour (sandy beach part where swimming is not allowed)

I had a lot of fun and would love to go explore more new area's close to Rethymno city! Thank you for joining me in this mini roadtrip. 

Paw from me 🐶🐾

Sandy beach at the old Venetian harbour

Destinations in Crete: Matala

Selfie spot at the entrance

Hi pawfriends! It's me Luna 🐶 Yesterday I went for a day trip to Matala (located 75km south-west of the main city Heraklion). Here is some more info about Matala:

The beach is in an enclosed bay and is sandy with very small pebbles, organized with sunbeds, toilets, showers and life guards. To be honest not the most pawfect beach for us dog's to go in high season but in low season you can definitely find a quiet spot in the shade under the trees! I was welcome at the outside area's of restaurants and cafe's. The village has a lot of touristic shops where you can buy nice souvenirs or cool bandana's 🐾

Matala is know for it's "caves" also referred to as "hippie caves". In the 60's and 70's hippies would residence in this caves and live the "free" lifestyle. On a certain point the area was so popular that it attracted even big celebrities such as Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin and Joan Baez. 

The caves in the background

The caves are now day's protected by the Archeological service, you can visit them during the daytime. (it's possible you need to pay a small fee, dog's are not allowed inside)

Each year there is also the Matala street painting where artists can give their creativity a place on the streets of Matala. (For more information and registration you can check the Facebook page @streetpaintingteam)

And last but not least the popular Matala Beach Festival, unfortunately due to the corona virus it's unsure if it will take place in 2021. 

This was the information about Matala, if you have any questions don't hestitate to send me a DM on IG or email. 
Woof you all very much, paw from me 🐾