When I moved to France all those years ago I was more used to big dogs than small ones. So it was a surprise to see little dogs carried in bags everywhere. I used to breed, exhibit and judge Old English Sheepdogs and they don’t get carried around in bags! At first my reaction was ‘Oh no, let them be real dogs and run around,’ and I still think that but I do see the sense of putting a tiny dog in a bag in a busy city, a market place, anywhere with lots of people. The dog feels secure.
Dogs of course are allowed in most restaurants in France and Italy (so civilised) – so it’s easy to put a bag on the ground where your little toutou will be happy and safe. If it’s Monaco, of course, he or she will probably have a chair at the table next to you!
On the other hand dogs are not allowed in supermarkets in France but that never stopped anyone … look in the bottom of a shopping trolley and you’ll often see little Fifi happy in her bag, amongst the brie and the baguettes.
And it’s not just bags – take a look ….
A dog carrier. Nice, France.
A basket on a bike for one and the other hanging from a harness around Mama’s neck. Camporosso, Italy.
A hire bike in Nice, France
In a doggy carriage with lace trimmed cushions. San Remo, Italy.
In a shoulder bag. Menton, France.
A doggy travel bag. Menton, France.
Hanging from a supermarket trolley. Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
In a basket fixed to an old lady’s walker. Menton, France.
Show dogs in a doggy trolley. (there are 5 dachshunds in this trolley!) Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Waiting for the plane. Rome airport.
Waiting for the train. Venice railway station.
And this little pug wanted to get INTO the pram! Nice, France.
22 Comments
Good to “hear” from you again ! When we stayed in Villefranche-sur-Mer, we came down to breakfast & were greated by a very happy little guy seated next to his lady at a table on the patio. His manners were perfect !
Thanks so much Kathleen. Yes, French dogs are well-behaved. Just as well. Love to read of your experience. x
Such a delight to see these pics Jilly, thank you.Brings back so many memories of our two little poodles, one black and one white that you cared for over many years.
Laura
Laura, I often think of your two. We don’t seem to see so many poodles these days although I did get to photograph two adorable white ones in Rome last year. love to you xxx
They’re all wonderfully cute.
I’ve been banished from Facebook for a bit (again), so haven’t been able to keep up there.
Sorry to hear that William.
Lovely photos, Jilly. You may remember Loulou being transported in the box on the back of my scooter and when we left for Colombia. whilst I had a bag for her, she actually walked onto the Iberia plane, much to the surprise of the cabin crew. She spent the entire 11 hour flight in her bag though, at my feet. The cabin crew regularly brought her ice cubes to lick on to avoid dehydration.
Wish I’d taken a photo of that Brian. Dear Loulou – such a wonderful dog. x
Dear Jilly, what a brilliant idea to publish your “dogs in a bag” pictures, I do love all of them, that’s a topic on its own … consider … 😉 Love the portrait mode with the blurred background and remember well the bike lady in Camporosso ! Just fabulously brilliant! See you soon! xxx
So glad you like the idea, Sigi. You are not the first to say this. The idea being it’s just a chapter, but let’s see. Yes, what a lovely day we all had when we met the lady on the bike and then had that delicious lunch in Camporosso. Roll on summer….
Jilly – these are such wonderful, full of (doggie) life photos and oh so French (and Italian). Love them. You know I’m more of a cat person but your photos might just turn me into a dog person!!! Love them. Xxx
Ha ha! You’ll always be a cat person, Kris. I love cats too but they don’t always get on with dogs – or vice versa perhaps. Thanks for your lovely comment. x
These are absolutely delightful! 🙂
Thanks so much Krista x
oh, jilly, these are great. it makes sense that your eye would find and compose images with dogs, and this “dogs in bags” series would make a charming little book. i miss you and hope this finds you well. certainly your photographer’s eye is in top condition. sending love, brattcat
Oh dear Brattcat, so happy to hear from you and your lovely words. Your idea is more than worth thinking about. Thankyou. x
I cannot pick a favourite ….. I love them all 🙂
So sorry, Melina, just saw your comment. Thanks so much for writing. A lot of spoiled dogs! Like ours!
Ooops, Melinda with a D. x
Such great photos. I live in Nice & have a dog, a jack Russell. He always goes to the bar or cafe with us.
I think the Cote d’Azur is paradise for dogs.
Thanks so much Mo06. Love Jack Russells and you are right, the Cote d’Azur is surely a paradise for dogs and pretty good for us too! Thanks for comment x
Thank you so much for this so adorable post.
I sent you an email yesterday, Mme. Jilly. How wonderful to know you’ve published that long awaited book. Congratulations and love always,
Maria