I thought I would mention that there are families who have, for a variety of reasons, left pets behind when moving. This is a personal decision, and for many heart-breaking, but it was the only option. The reasons are numerous: Older pet that would not cope with travel, quaratine laws, import restrictions, and housing situation in the new country that would make it difficult to keep the pet.

In most cases, the pet was left with a family member or friend. I know some families who really looked forward to visiting family and friends back home so they could see their dog or cats. Knowing your pet is enjoying a good life back home is reassuring.

We are fortunate that our dogs are unaffected by the new legislation, which has not been passed in our (AG) but is under discussion. I walk all 3 dogs at once, and I can't imagine what I would do if I could only walk 2 at a time. Our dogs weigh in the range of 17 - 20 kg each. Our dogs are hounds and are NEVER let off leash yet I don't think this takes away from the walks we have in the country. They still have plenty of opportunity to sniff interesting things.

We have a fenced property so the dogs can run free and play in the garden. It is not a substitute for walking as the garden is like reading yesterday's newspaper....not so interesting.