It has been a long time since my last post. We have been very busy getting settled in our new house and ready for the next chapter of our life in Spain. I have many subjects ideas for future posts in the coming months but first I would like to update you on what we have been doing and what has been happening in our life.
First of all, we said our goodbyes to our sweet Amy Lou. She passed May 17, 2022 in my arms at our house in Spain after a long illness. It has been a very difficult and heart breaking experience. I am still tearing talking about her. Amy Lou was our fur baby for over 13 years and the love our lives. We are very grateful to the excellent care she received from the Spanish veterinarians. I will be writing about vet care in Spain in the coming weeks.
The good news is that we have welcomed Mya into our hearts in the summer of 2023. Mya is a super fun and delightful 3.8kilo yorkie. She is very friendly with everyone and all dogs she meets. Unfortunately, in March 2024, at 10 months old, she was diagnosed with a liver shunt. I will be writing later about the ordeal with went through and the extraordinary care we received from the specialists hospital where Mya underwent her operation. She is fully recovered now and the happiest little sweetie anyone could ever hope for. You can follow all her adventures on Instagram @myaloutheyorkie
We have been doing a lot of renovations to Villa El Gavilan, our amazing house, and we can happily say that dealing with Spanish contractors, electricians, plumbers and all trades has been an absolute pleasure. I will share more on that later as well.
As you know, we have been renting the Villa in the summer months when we were in Canada. This also has been a good experience. I have enjoyed a lot the marketing, booking process and communication with clients. You can view the incredible comments we have received from clients on our Airbnb page and website. This summer, year 2025, will be our last summer renting the villa as we will living in Spain full time from this year.
Yes! After much debating, planning and organizing, we are ready to live in Spain most of the year. We plan to spend the summer months in Canada but will be returning to Spain every September instead of late fall. This means that we will become tax resident of Spain. We have recently obtained the valuable and flexible Golden Visa. We will tell you all about taxes and visas in the weeks ahead.
As you can see, we have been very busy and have much to talk about. We hope that you will continue to follow us on our journey and see that it is possible to live the dream! Stay tune for everything about the Spanish lifestyle from the perspective of Two Canadians with a dog in Spain!
Two Retired Canadians & a Dog in Spain 
Wonderful to hear from you Odette. Wishing you and Terry all the best as you settle in to your permanent Spanish life.
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Thank you Susan for reading me and following the blog! Hope all is well for you. 💜 😘
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Hi Oddette welcome back! Always (chismeo) look your post for news l. And I am really sorry for your lost of your beautiful Amy Lou. I hope Mia is doing well all the best wishes for her health 🙏 . Last year I planed to take my dog to Spain . But Cancelled all plans, because it was too complicated to do the paper work. But finally this year I am taking my Lucy ,you gave me a lot information last year TY ❣ I almost finish all the paper work. Just I have one question in addition of the CFIA Health Certificate for EU Countries. Do I need the certificate from Spain government as well?
thank you so much
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Hi Gisella, you only need the form from the country you enter Europe. For example, if you fly to Paris, you need the France form only even if your final destination is Spain. I hope this helps. Safe flight with Lucy 🐾 !!
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Well welcome back Odette! So nice to see you posting again. My sincere condolences on your loss of Amy Lou. We have had two dogs during our marriage, both passing away around the 13 year mark (1990-2003, and 2001-2015). It’s still emotional to think about them, so I certainly understand what you must be feeling, and I am certain that Mya will help heal your hearts! Looking forward to reading more of your posts and wishing you well in your new adventures. Cheers from Ida, still in Canada dealing with Ottawa-Gatineau winters 😦
Sent from my iPhone
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Nice to hear from you Ida. Stay warm and happy!
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Hello Odette! Finally we made to Spain with my dog Lucy. Thank you for all your help. We are going to be here for 15 days. But now I am panicking, because I was reading on internet that I will need a Dog Health Certificate from Spain to return to Canada. Please tell me if it is true.
Thank you
Gisella
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You will only need the rabies certificate (to ensure it is up to date on its vaccine) when you return. When you get to the airport, you must declare that you have a dog and go to the area where you will show your dog and its Canadian documents. That is all they are interested in. We just came back to Canada on June 18 2025 and that is all that was required just like all previous years. If you have more up to date information issued by a Canadian authority about this potential new rule, please be sure to send it to me or post it here. Thank you Gisela. And safe travels!
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