Motorhoming with Monty

Knowing that many club members take their dogs, and some even cats, on their caravan and motorhome trips, I thought I’d share some motorhoming experiences with Monty, our beloved Border Terrier.

Before we had the motorhome, Monty never seemed to mind his ‘holidays’ in kennels when we went off on coach trips. However, after having a taste of motorhome life, he looked forlorn when we left him at the kennels before driving off to France for our first cross-channel trip.

We would have taken him, but didn’t realise how long it took to organise the pet passport formalities. We got it sorted for our next French trip though, and despite us worrying about leaving him alone in the van for the 4¾ hour crossing, he was fine. And, even though it was unusually wet, we had a wonderful time exploring the Dordogne and Loire valley.

One day we saw a Frenchman with a Border Terrier and just had to introduce ourselves. Making a great fuss of each other’s pets, he told us the breed was rare in France - he had to go to Marseilles to get his - and that, just like Monty, his chien was un grand caractère, although not the most obedient dog off the lead!

Monty never stayed in kennels again, and loved his motorhome holidays. Whenever he saw us packing up, he’d rush aboard and position himself between the seats. As he got older and couldn’t walk very far, he still enjoyed his trips, and was quite content to be left in the van for an hour or so whilst we went off on our own. A couple of years ago we bought him a buggy, so after he’d slowly walk a little way we could push him along. At first we felt quite conspicuous, but he enjoyed it and people would stop and make a fuss of him.

We lost our beloved Monty in May. He was 17½, had been a wonderful, faithful friend and I know we shouldn’t be sad. But when we’re driving along in the van now, we still reach down to give him a stroke. And it’s hard to suddenly realise he’s no longer there…