[Pidge]

Hi

My husband and I are British and are 3 years in to a 4 year waiting list for a visa to immigrate to Canada. We have a 15 month old English Springer Spaniel and are planning to bring him with us.

We spend our free time on long walks around the countryside with him, usually ending up in a pub with a roaring fire and real ale on tap, where he dries off and snoozes by the fire. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than seeing him running about freely enjoying the world. We take him everywhere with us, especially when we go camping and kayaking (which he loves).

I have recently found out however, that if we move to Canada we wont be able to do half of this as dogs are not allowed in any public places and there are only a few dog parks where he can go, but he'll still need to be kept on lead. Is this true?

We're still un-decided about the location we want to move to but are hoping for somewhere very small and in the country (near a small lake) and are aiming at Alberta (Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer etc).

Would appreciate any help/advice you can offer us. Thanks

[Lara's mom]

Hi:

Canada isn't nearly as progressive when it comes to dogs as the U.K. is. Dogs aren't allowed in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, etc. I can't tell you anything about camping. There are loads of cottages that welcome dogs and I'm sure there are camp grounds that allow dogs. I just am not aware of them. As for parks, there are lots of off leash parks where dogs can run and play together. Whatever city you are planning to move to will be able to give you information about where they are located in your area. Contact the municipal office.

Canada is a great country to live in, despite the unfortunate fact that we currently have an arrogant jack-a** for a Prime Minister. However, having spent considerable time in the U.K., I cannot imagine why anyone would want to leave such a beautiful place. If it wasn't that I'd have to quarantine my dogs for 6 months, I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat!