The Decision. We’re going to Greece
When our parents said we were going to Greece with us, everyone seemed to know better.
Jabba: Do you remember how they told Mum: “Why would you drag those poor pugs all the way there? It’s going to be way too hot for them…”?
Jojo: And yet, here we are. One year later. Doing just fine.
Jabba: Do you remember how it all started?
Jojo: Of course. First the decision. Then the research. Essential.
Before we left
Jabba: Last year we travelled to Greece and back twice already. The first time by car, the second time by ferry. We haven’t flown yet, and honestly, I can’t see myself travelling in the cargo hold or under a seat. If anything – only on Mum’s lap.
Jojo: Either way, you don’t enter Greece without an EU pet passport, an ISO‑compliant microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. Sometimes they also ask for a health certificate – in fact, they did ask us for one in North Macedonia.
Jabba: We already had everything, so getting the certificate was quick and easy.
Jojo: We drove to Greece from The Netherlands. Three days by car. At the Serbian border they wanted nothing — except to stroke us. In North Macedonia the officer asked whether we were dogs at all. Rude!
Jabba: And at the Greek border the man laughed and said: “Welcome to Greece, pugs.”
The road and transport
Jojo: Three days in a car with snoring and farting pugs turned out to be quite a challenge for Mum and Dad. They were exhausted. So for the second trip they decided to try the ferry.
Jabba: And they soon regretted it. We did too…
Jojo: The ferry was six hours late. No explanation. No apology. And the trip from Patras to Venice took two days and two nights. The kennels were a nightmare.
Jabba: Mum almost cried when she saw them. Thanks to that, we ended up sleeping with them in the passenger area — and suddenly our farting didn’t bother them quite so much anymore.
Everyday life
Jojo: In bigger cities it’s probably harder for dogs. Public transport often requires travelling in carriers. We don’t really have that problem in the countryside.
Jabba: Taxis don’t always want to take dogs either. Especially if the dog is bigger.
Jojo: Apparently, it’s now possible to visit some archaeological sites with a dog on a leash. We do a lot of sightseeing and honestly, no one has ever asked us to leave. But the Acropolis and museums are still off‑limits.
Jabba: Let’s be honest — what exactly would be of interest to a pug in a museum?
Jojo: Beaches, on the other hand, are wonderful. Apparently it wasn’t always like this, but to me Greece feels very pet‑friendly these days. During high season we avoid organised beaches – or beaches altogether – it’s simply too hot. Dogs on a leash, and we always clean up after ourselves.
Jabba: And in tavernas and restaurants, especially outdoors, the staff often bring us a bowl of water without even being asked.
Things that can be tough
Jabba: Stray dogs and cats. They’re everywhere!
Jojo: You have a problem with them. I don’t. They’re used to other dogs and people and often just ignore everything around them.
Jabba: Cats are way too fast and way too clever for me anyway.
Jojo: You could simply let it go.
Jabba: That’s not really in my nature. But even I know better than to eat or drink from their bowls. It’s not about bothering anyone — they can carry parasites or skin diseases.
Health and safety
Jojo: A leash is essential. It’s the only way to stay in control when Jabba gets over excited.
Jabba: Sun protection. During the day, pugs need to be carried so they don’t burn their paws on the ground.
Jojo: Water bowls. Everywhere.
Jabba: Air conditioning is essential. Unless you have someone to fan you. I don’t.
Jojo: And don’t move too much. If you move, you sweat. I sweat even when I don’t move.
Jabba: Watch out for ticks and mosquitoes. A good collar or vaccination helps — especially against leishmaniasis. And a good vet. Greek vets are really excellent. Ours speaks fluent English, is very kind and wasn’t scared of us at all, even though we were his first pugs.
Jojo: It would be perfect if he didn’t keep telling us we need to lose weight!
