Crete Kennels: August Update

Peter and Kimberley write: “So, July has come and gone and we missed all the celebrations in Rethymnon – this was our busiest month since we started 20 months ago (is it only that long?). Thankfully we have been able to use all of the paddock areas, even if it means Kimberley and Peter sometimes only see each other over a fence! But, of course there are the dogs, and what a mix, too. Dobermans through to poodles. Some had never been away before, so they needed a lot of TLC and we had a couple of sleepless nights. We spent time developing that special bond so that the dogs allowed us to carry them (and even put bows in their hair!). To be woken up at 3.30 am is all part of the service, but to see two (previously) nervous dogs (a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd) playing either side of the fence lightens the whole day. Sorry, no photos of them as they were initially even afraid of the click of a camera.

Of course, this being Crete, the electricity, water and telephones have all gone down this month…. The first two we could cope with (storage tanks and generator) but when they left our telephone lines dangling for three days (which one goes where?) it was time for action…… many visits to Cosmote with the promise of ‘Avrio’. In the end (and can we suggest this as a possible solution?) – sleeping bag, bottle of water and a book, then settle yourself on the floor of the main Cosmote sales office in Rethymnon until they DO something. Thankfully, after only an hour and much humour from the customers and some of the staff, we got the line repaired (ten minutes work) and even got a new and better line installed the next day!

On a serious note, although we are the ‘mad English couple running Crete Kennels’, we are also very business minded – essential when taking care of your treasured pets. We are always looking towards the future - be it three months or three years ahead. So, don’t be surprised when you hear rumours that we are selling up. This is a long term plan which is in the formation stages at the moment. The time and pressures of running this hotel means that we are getting little or no time for ourselves, so we are looking forward to the years ahead when this will be possible.

Meanwhile, August is the time for Greek Holidays, so we await the usual late bookings from our numerous customers who visit their villages for the period (why is it such a surprise that the holidays are here?). September is the time for late bookings for visits to the UK for some of our ex-pats but please check, as we are being booked right through to 2010 and Christmas is almost full!”

Canine Tip of the Month

With so much dry grass around.. please check your dog for the little 'darts': they get everywhere - especially inside the ears!