Debi – our soulful shelter girl, was rescued in September 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Her life changed forever when we brought her home, and she’s been by our side ever since. From a challenging start, she’s blossomed into an adventurer, exploring 14 countries so far! We never imagined that a dog from a shelter would thrive on the road, but Debi is living proof that every dog deserves a second chance at life.
Cookie– now here’s where the story gets fun. We thought we’d give our angel dog Debi a little companion… and what did we get? A lovable, chaotic little devil! Cookie is a purebred MAS (mini Aussie) from Hriňová, born in August 2022, and he’s been a whirlwind ever since. He’s already racked up 11 countries under his paws, spreading mischief wherever he goes. With never ending energy and a nose for stirring up trouble, this guy keeps us on our toes. Whether he’s stealing shoes or running circles around us, Cookie is a force of nature we wouldn’t trade for anything.
Together, these two are living their best lives, paw in paw, as they travel across the globe, sniffing out new experiences and making memories with us along the way.
Who says you need two legs to be a world traveler?
It all began when we visited the UVP shelter in Košice on September 22, 2020, not knowing that we would encounter a beautiful black-eyed puppy that instantly captivated us from the cage, forming an immediate connection with Michal.
Truth be told, we had never visited a shelter before, and with the pandemic going on, a friend reminded us of the many dogs waiting for their forever homes there. At that time, I was in my final year of medical studies at UPJŠ Košice, specializing in dentistry, preparing for state exams that required around 4 weeks of preparation. Knowing that we would be mostly confined at home, and with Michal working remotely, we decided to take the leap together and adopt a furry companion.
Since childhood, I had yearned for a dog, but always hesitated, fearing that I wouldn’t be able to care for one properly. After the shelter visit, we left on September 29, with little Debi, whom they found in an attic in Bankov with her mother and six siblings.
Little did we know how much Debi would change our lives and the incredible experiences we would share with her.
Small Debi in the shelter, where we first saw her
Adoption
The adoption process in Slovakia is relatively straightforward. We decided to take Debi into temporary care to see if we were capable of providing the love and care a puppy deserves. The shelter kindly provided us with a thoughtful “starter package,” including a portable crate, a cozy bed with her familiar blanket, food and water bowls (including a slow-eating bowl, considering Debi’s digestive issues), and the same type of kibble she was used to.
With the necessary paperwork completed for her temporary care, we set out on the journey to her new home. We decided to keep her name as Debi, the name she had at the shelter, to minimize any additional changes in her life. Leaving the shelter at three months old, Debi began her new chapter with us, and she hasn’t returned to the shelter since.
However, our initial moments with Debi in the car proved that it wouldn’t be all smooth sailing. She squirmed restlessly throughout the journey, not accustomed to being in a car, and ended up feeling a bit queasy – a common experience for puppies. Michal sat in the back, trying to comfort her as much as possible.
Little did we know back then how she would eventually adapt to car rides and become our trusty travel companion, exploring new countries and experiencing the world by our side.
The journey with Debi had just begun, and we had no idea of the adventures that awaited us and the incredible bond we would develop. Despite the challenges, we were excited to share our lives with this furry bundle of joy and create unforgettable memories together.
The First Moments and Getting Acquainted with Our New Home
Just like many couples babyproof their homes when expecting a new addition to the family, we took the idea of “dogproofing” our apartment seriously. I remember thinking it would be a brilliant idea to bring in some old jackets and scatter them around for a soft resting spot, not realizing they would turn into perfect toys for tugging and tinkling. Upon arriving home, Debi was understandably nervous and, looking back now, she seemed so tiny and fragile.
In those initial moments, we could sense her uncertainty and hesitation. It was evident that she needed time to adjust to her new surroundings. So, we took it slow, allowing her to explore at her own pace and encouraging her with gentle words and soft strokes.
As she began to feel more comfortable, we witnessed her curious nature coming to life. She would curiously sniff every corner and investigate every nook, displaying her innate sense of adventure. Seeing her discover the world around her brought us immense joy and made us appreciate the wonder of simple moments.
Of course, we encountered a few unexpected challenges along the way. Some of our well-intentioned “dogproofing” ideas turned into unintended games for Debi. Those old jackets that we thought would be cozy resting spots? They became her favorite tug-of-war playthings! It took a bit of improvisation and learning, but we gradually found ways to strike the right balance between keeping our home safe and providing her with enriching experiences.
The bond we formed with Debi during these early days was incredibly special. Her vulnerability and trust in us motivated us to be the best caregivers we could be. We made a conscious effort to create a loving environment filled with patience, understanding, and plenty of affection.
As we reflect on those first moments and the challenges we encountered, we can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come together. The uncertainties of those initial days have transformed into a deep and unbreakable bond. Debi is no longer just a pet; she’s an integral part of our family, enriching our lives with her unconditional love and boundless joy.
Stay tuned as we continue to share our journey with Debi, her growth, and the unforgettable memories we create together in the coming days and months. Each day is a new adventure, and we’re thrilled to have this incredible companion by our side as we navigate life’s joys and surprises together.
Debi for the first time in our apartment in Košice
Unable to resist the allure of the beautiful autumn scenery, we decided to take Debi on her first exploratory journey to the Tatras in mid-October. We booked a pet-friendly hotel with a garden and set off on our adventure.
In hindsight, we learned a valuable lesson about hotel accommodations – opting for a room fully carpeted when our little Debi wasn’t completely potty trained was not the best decision. The owners were gracious and friendly, but I couldn’t help but wonder how they felt after our stay, with little puddles of accidents here and there. The first night was quite a challenge, as we found ourselves constantly running in and out to avoid floods.
The next morning, a bit groggy from lack of sleep, we rose to the occasion and embarked on a hike to Tatranska Javorina. We stumbled upon the charming wooden church of St. Anne, where Debi gleefully frolicked on the green meadow.
Michal with Debi
We concluded the adventure with a delightful lunch at the pet-friendly Strachan Hotel in Bachledka (which we discovered only during our second visit, leading us to brave the cold with chilly noses on this first one). We wrapped Debi in a sheepskin blanket, and she looked like the black sheep of our little family.
Petra and Debi as a sheep
The evening was dedicated to a light obedience training session inspired by the lessons we learned from the dog academy. This time, the second night went much smoother, as Debi was happily tired.
Encouraged by the positive change in our sleep routine, we decided to tackle a longer hike the following day, leading us to the Skok Waterfall. We dressed Debi appropriately, though somehow, we forgot to do the same for ourselves and began the journey. The hike typically takes about an hour and a half from Strbske Pleso, but as we ascended, the snow became more abundant, slowing us down. A word of advice: ditch the jeans for this hike and opt for something warmer and suitable for hiking.
Michal with Debi in snowy High Tatras trail
Debi experienced her first taste of snow, and she absolutely loved it. At the peak of our hike, we captured a lovely photo with her nose covered in snow.
Michal, Petra and Debi at Skok waterfall
In total, we covered about 8 kilometers, although a puppy of her age should only walk around 4 kilometers, so on our way back, we utilized her new attire and carried her in it. At the time, she weighed just around 8 kilograms.
Our time in the High Tatras was an unforgettable experience, full of cherished memories and laughter. We marveled at the beauty of nature together, shared adventures, and saw our bond with Debi grow stronger with each passing moment. As we continue to explore the world with our furry companion, we look forward to creating more unforgettable moments and everlasting memories.
About Us
Family adventures unleashed with Petra, Michal, Anna, and two dogs - Debi and Cookie. Travel tips, tricks, stories, itineraries, tech & gear reviews, digital nomadism... and fun!
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Family adventures unleashed with Petra, Michal, Anna, and two dogs - Debi and Cookie. Travel tips, tricks, stories, itineraries, tech & gear reviews, digital nomadism... and fun! 