This holiday season was different for me in more ways than one. Not only am I living in a new Australian city, but I also have a new family member—our Dalmatian, Shelly. Before I dive into the mischief we’ve been up to, let me quickly refresh your memory on how we got her.
After dreaming of owning a Dalmatian for the last decade, last year was finally the right time for us to take on this new adventure. We picked Shelly up in September, and boy, did she hate the car back then. But you wouldn’t know that now—I’ve driven over 3000km with her during this holiday season, and she’s become the ultimate passenger princess. She doesn’t mind my choice of music (even when listening to the worst songs possible) and rarely needs breaks.
Though Shelly is still a puppy (and a very big one at that!), I was confident enough to embark on this long journey. From pet-friendly accommodations to beach days and city adventures, here’s a rundown of our first holidays together, Shelly-style!
The Journey Begins: Brisbane to Harrington
Before hitting the road, I spent hours scouring the internet for pet-friendly accommodations. Let me tell you, it’s a jungle out there—limited options and sky-high prices. Eventually, I stumbled across a charming granny flat in Harrington with access to a beautiful riverwalk. Perfect, right?
Packing for me was easy. Packing for Shelly, not so much. Along with her bowls and dry kibble, I had to find an alternative to her beloved raw meals for the trip. Enter air-dried salmon and sardines (an expensive delicacy, apparently). On Sunday morning, I transformed the passenger seat into her personal throne—layered it with a towel (Dalmatians = fur everywhere) and buckled her in with her doggy seatbelt.
The six-hour drive to Harrington went surprisingly smoothly. Shelly, my travel MVP, alternated between curling up like the most well-behaved dog on Earth and casually peeking out the window. I started to think, "Wow, I’ve really lucked out with this dog."
The Bed Incident
That illusion lasted until we arrived at the flat. Shelly, still off leash from the car, eagerly explored her new digs—and decided, for reasons only known to her puppy brain, to christen the bed with a big ol’ wee. I stood there, torn between cleaning and crying, thinking, “Why not the floor? The tile? Literally anywhere else?” Rookie mistake #1: no more free rein indoors.
The Rat Episode
To let her work off some energy (and keep her away from the bed), I took her out to the beautiful riverwalk. Mistake #2: thinking I could trust her off leash outside. Within seconds, Shelly found a dead rat in the bushes and proudly tried to bring it back to me like she’d just won the Best Dog Ever Olympics. Thankfully, a sharp "leave it" saved us both from that trauma, but my faith in her judgment was officially shaken.
Dinner Dramatics
That evening, I attempted to grab dinner at a restaurant. Dogs weren’t allowed inside, so I left Shelly on the terrace with a lovely dad also waiting with his dog. Two minutes in, and Shelly decided I’d abandoned her forever. Her barks reached full diva volume, causing an uproar of sympathy from strangers who clearly thought I was the cruelest dog mom in existence. I managed to speed-eat my meal before paying attention to save my “poor, neglected” pup.
The Wheelchair Fiasco
Thinking the day’s chaos was behind us, I made yet another rookie move: letting her off leash on our way back to the flat. It was all going well until she spotted old mate in an electric wheelchair walking his elderly Border Collie. Shelly decided this scene desperately needed her involvement and dashed toward them. Chaos ensued as she attempted to “herd” them like a slightly confused sheepdog, while I shouted her name like a madwoman. Thankfully, the man wasn’t upset (maybe he’s seen it all before?), and I eventually corralled her back.
By the end of day one, I was frazzled and exhausted, but Shelly? Calm as could be, snoring away on the dry bed side like the angel she only sometimes is. Who knew one dog could pack so much chaos into 24 hours?
Exploring Sydney: Beaches and City Adventures
Shelly and I made it to Sydney, where she quickly found some old tennis balls in the backyard—her new best friends. She wasn’t immediately keen on Harry’s family but showed plenty of interest in any food-related activity. Watching her curiously observe her surroundings was fascinating—every sound and movement caught her attention.
Christmas in Canberra
For Christmas, we drove to Canberra, and I was nervous. Would she jump on the table? Would she accidentally topple the grandparents or young kids? Thankfully, she surprised us all by being on her best behavior. By the end of the day, she was as cranky as an overtired toddler after hours of play with the host’s French Bulldog.
Beach Bliss
Boxing Day took us to a dog-friendly lagoon close to Wollongong and the day after near Curl Curl Beach. Shelly had the time of her life splashing around and swimming between Harry and me. After about 30 minutes, she was completely wiped out and slept the entire ride home.
Another day, we discovered Mackenzies Bay during the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. Although dogs aren’t officially allowed there, it’s become a quiet haven for residents and their furry friends. Shelly loved wading in the rock pools, playing with other dogs, and sticking to the shallows—she’s not too keen on deep water, which suits me perfectly!
City Walks and NYE Planning
One ambitious day, I decided Shelly should “see” the Opera House. We walked across the Harbour Bridge, through Circular Quay, and back to Kirribilli. While Shelly stayed close to me in the bustling crowd, I was less impressed with the reactions of some people—especially the parents who let their kid grab her without asking. Shelly barked (rightfully so!), but it reminded me how important it is to teach kids how to interact with animals.
For New Year’s Eve, I planned ahead. Knowing how fireworks can scare dogs, we spent the day swimming to tire her out. That night, we watched the 9pm fireworks from a safe distance on the North Shore, where Shelly could see the display but wasn’t overwhelmed by the noise. With Harry holding her close, she quickly got comfortable and even seemed intrigued by the lights in the sky.
The Road Back: Armidale to Brisbane
The journey back home was less than ideal. With no coastal accommodations available, we detoured to Armidale. Driving inland was eerie—long, empty roads winding through what felt like nowhere. Shelly woke up occasionally, offering me moral support through the challenging drive.
The motel in Armidale was... let’s just say not my favorite. It felt straight out of a crime movie, and Shelly agreed, sniffing every inch of the room and barking at every tiny noise. She even slept by the door, as if guarding us both. After a mere three hours of sleep, we hit the road at 4am, determined to make it back to Brisbane.
Home Sweet Home
After an unforgettable two weeks of chaos, laughter, and learning, Shelly and I were both thrilled to be back in Brisbane. This trip wasn’t without its challenges, but it made me appreciate her even more. She’s not just a handful—she’s my handful.
Here’s to more adventures with Shelly in the new year, and to the memories we’ve already made. Happy holidays, everyone!
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