On the bus from Flims to Tamins
Today I decided to go further afield and take Jochen to Flims by public transport. Given that dogs are accepted as a way of life and as part of the travelling public, I just had to give this a try, particularly as we will be travelling to Geneva a few times.
The journey from Rähzüns to Flims meant a change of bus in Tamins. The first bus was relatively full and I did not notice the other dog right at the back of the bus until we had to get off at Tamins. To get off we had to move to the middle where the exit doors are. As we got there, a dog erupted and hurled very bad Swiss language at Jochen.
He said, 'You think that is bad language? Well, cop this!', and proceeded to use the best Australian swear words he could think of. But that 'common' cross bred dog was not going to be told off by any pure bred one and yelled back, 'Who do you think you are with your fancy pedigree?'. I couldn't get off the bus fast enough because Jochen said that there was more where that came from, no doubt dreaming up some more Australian swear words. The amazing thing was that no-one seemed to be bothered.
The bus to Flims was full and as we got on I noticed right at the front of the bus a man hunching over something next to him on the seat. Jochen showed interest and I saw a thin dog leg! Oh boy. I managed to get Jochen's tail into the bus before the door closed on him, paid the fare - full fare for me and half for him, and in my haste to get him away from that little dog being crouched over, sent small change flying all over the place.
We made our way to the middle of the bus and right at the end was another dog, a very well-mannered Golden Retriever. They looked at each other and just shrugged.
The photo in the bus is on the return from Flims when the bus was almost empty. It filled up quickly but no other dogs came on board.
The journey from Rähzüns to Flims meant a change of bus in Tamins. The first bus was relatively full and I did not notice the other dog right at the back of the bus until we had to get off at Tamins. To get off we had to move to the middle where the exit doors are. As we got there, a dog erupted and hurled very bad Swiss language at Jochen.
He said, 'You think that is bad language? Well, cop this!', and proceeded to use the best Australian swear words he could think of. But that 'common' cross bred dog was not going to be told off by any pure bred one and yelled back, 'Who do you think you are with your fancy pedigree?'. I couldn't get off the bus fast enough because Jochen said that there was more where that came from, no doubt dreaming up some more Australian swear words. The amazing thing was that no-one seemed to be bothered.
The bus to Flims was full and as we got on I noticed right at the front of the bus a man hunching over something next to him on the seat. Jochen showed interest and I saw a thin dog leg! Oh boy. I managed to get Jochen's tail into the bus before the door closed on him, paid the fare - full fare for me and half for him, and in my haste to get him away from that little dog being crouched over, sent small change flying all over the place.
We made our way to the middle of the bus and right at the end was another dog, a very well-mannered Golden Retriever. They looked at each other and just shrugged.
The photo in the bus is on the return from Flims when the bus was almost empty. It filled up quickly but no other dogs came on board.
On the walk above the township of Flims
JOCHEN ATTRACTS A LOT OF ATTENTION
People are most intrigued with Jochen, the fact that he is a German Shepherd to start with, that he is from Australia, is handsome, large and so well-behaved (until a dog hurls Swiss swear words at him, that is).
I fell into conversation with some young guys on the bus and naturally told them all about our project and why we are here. Those within hearing were quite intrigued and one person asked if he is a pure bred dog. Before I could answer someone else said that of course he was, isn't that obvious? Look at him, he is almost perfect! Ah yes...
Everywhere we walked, including in the township, he created interest which often lead to a conversation about our visit and the reason for it. He is admired, praised, patted and talked about. It is quite a bemusing experience.
People are most intrigued with Jochen, the fact that he is a German Shepherd to start with, that he is from Australia, is handsome, large and so well-behaved (until a dog hurls Swiss swear words at him, that is).
I fell into conversation with some young guys on the bus and naturally told them all about our project and why we are here. Those within hearing were quite intrigued and one person asked if he is a pure bred dog. Before I could answer someone else said that of course he was, isn't that obvious? Look at him, he is almost perfect! Ah yes...
Everywhere we walked, including in the township, he created interest which often lead to a conversation about our visit and the reason for it. He is admired, praised, patted and talked about. It is quite a bemusing experience.
Jochen resting back at 'home' after the Flims excursion.
ATTITUDE TO DOGS
The different attitude to dogs is quite startling for someone from Australia used to dogs being banned from almost everywhere. Whilst we were waiting for the bus at the bus stop which was right outside the bakery, I bought a black forest cake (what else) and sat at the table outside with Jochen. The saleswoman came out to ask if she should bring a bowl of water for him!!!!!
One thing was quite obvious today. It was quite warm and Jochen's winter coat made hard work for him. We frequently stopped in the shade along the way. I am waiting for him to drop his winter coat.
I of course have water for him with me, but there are also springs that have been diverted via a long tap into concrete tubs for man and beast to drink and wash hands and face. The water is so cool and tastes so good, it is wonderful. All in all, a day full of new experiences in a most beautiful environment.
The different attitude to dogs is quite startling for someone from Australia used to dogs being banned from almost everywhere. Whilst we were waiting for the bus at the bus stop which was right outside the bakery, I bought a black forest cake (what else) and sat at the table outside with Jochen. The saleswoman came out to ask if she should bring a bowl of water for him!!!!!
One thing was quite obvious today. It was quite warm and Jochen's winter coat made hard work for him. We frequently stopped in the shade along the way. I am waiting for him to drop his winter coat.
I of course have water for him with me, but there are also springs that have been diverted via a long tap into concrete tubs for man and beast to drink and wash hands and face. The water is so cool and tastes so good, it is wonderful. All in all, a day full of new experiences in a most beautiful environment.