Greetings and welcome to my blog, my name is Sam and having failed at blogging previously, I thought it was time to have another go. My husband and I went to Europe in Spring, 2011 and this blog was my way of recording and sharing our experiences. However, Two Black Dogs is not just a blog about our trip, it is about all the things I love including (but not limited to) our two black dogs – Maxi and Bundy, photography, travel and food.
When I was a little girl my chosen careers were: Vet, Flight Attendant and Hairdresser, although I have not taken on any of those professions I still have a great love for animal welfare and travel and indulge when I can. Another love of mine is photography, it is purely a hobby but complements my dog obsession and occasional travel. My first camera was used for taking photos of kittens, horses, friends and scenery, my mother was amazed at the number of photos I would take (not to mention horrified at the cost of developing film) and still is to this very day, Mum owns a digital camera yet often forgets to take it when travelling or somehow manages to delete half of her images before she gets them on to the computer. With the advent of the phone camera it has become much easier to record every moment, I love the funky apps that are available and my iPhone is almost always with me however I still take my digital SLR most places and enjoy the flexibility it gives me.
Maxi and Bundy are my babies although with one being a geriatric and the other going through a mid-life crisis I can hardly call them babies, they are the ones who can ease my stress, my pain and my sadness with a wet nose, their goofy grins and warm welcomes and they make me laugh, often.
Writing stories, letters, postcards and emails to friends and family has always given me joy with the latter being my main form of writing in the recent years, I hope that this blog will help me get back into the spirit of writing and maybe even make someone else smile.
Our cheeky little boy, Bundy
Our beautiful old girl, Maxi
I, too, dreamed of being a vet, a flight attendent or a hairdresser when I was young. And my passions include my black cat, travel, food and photography. We have much in common and I’ve enjoyed reading about your travels in Europe.
We do have alot in common, I too have enjoyed reading about your travels – you have been to many destinations that I would love to visit but for now will have to settle for living vicariously through stories such as yours. My husband and I would like to spend a year in Europe in the not-too-distant future especially Italy, but I would really like to spend more time in France.
I think we have some similar reasons for writing. I am appreciative of your updates on my beloved Italia
Writing and Italy, both are good for the soul.
Hi Sam, a friend sent me the link to your blog. I enjoyed seeing your pictures and writings regarding Germany. MY husband and I were in Fussen and the castle July 2011. We loved it-taking the horse ride, looking at the view from the castle, touring the castle. We also loved the town of Fussen-I was just thinking about it yesterday and realizing how much I Miss Germany and want to go back.
Also love your pictures of your doggies-I have two Springer Spaniels.
Cathie
Thank you Cathie. Germany was an awesome surprise for me, wasn’t sure what to expect but absolutely loved it and can’t wait to return and see more of the country. We didn’t spend long in Fussen, but it is a really pretty town and in a fabulous location for exploring the region. The hardest part about travelling was leaving my doggies, they’re such wonderful company, nice to (virtually) meet another dog lover who also likes to travel.
Cheers Sam
Hi Sam! I really enjoy your blog and I’ve nominated you for the Genuine Blogger Award and the Sunshine Award! Here’s the link: http://megtraveling.com/2012/04/01/the-sunshine-and-genuine-blogger-awards/
Hi Meg! Thank you so much for the nomination – now if only I can figure out how to add the graphics to my blog
hi sam…thanks so much for following my blog and your lovely comments…i love your travel posts and look forward to more…x danielle
You’re most welcome Danielle, thank you for checking out my blog and I’m so happy that you enjoy my travel posts
Thank you for visiting and liking. Some of my top loves are also dogs and Italy.
You’re welcome, I have gotten alot of joy from reading other blogs and learning more about the world in which we live. Nice to meet another dog person and italophile
Hi Sam,
I love reading about your blog and your dogs <3
I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award
http://treatsalabark.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/kreative-blogger-award/
Thank you so much Naomi and Rufio! I am so glad you like my blog, the feeling is mutual
Thank you so much for liking my post! You have a wonderful blog and the dogs…just precious. I also have two wonderful dogs, a Golden Retriever, Luna, and a Golden-doodle, Vera.
You’re very welcome. I love that I’m finding lots of wonderful new (to me anyway) blogs through the blogs I follow. Thank you for for the lovely comments, it is nice to meet another lover of dogs and Italy
Hi Sam,
naomi@treatsalabark.com.au 
xx
Would you like me to feature your beautiful doggies as Le Daily Bark? Simple email me a photo and a short 50 word blurb about them, their fav things/habits etc
That is so sweet Naomi, you make me feel like a proud Mum! I would love to see them featured on your blog and will prepare something over the next couple of days, will find a nice photo of the two of them together
Perfect! Can’t wait to hear all about our gorgeous pups! Nothing is better than telling the world about your wonderful fur babies!
Bundy and Maxi are so damn beautiful… both of them so soulful. Bundy has a twin for sure here in LA named Pimp… awesome!!!
Bundy and Maxi thank you for the compliment, I tell them that every day but it is always special hearing it from someone else
HI, I nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award! I you want to accept please check my blog! Enjoy your weekend
Thank you so much, looks like I’ve got some work to do this weekend
You go girl!!
Hi there! I have nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award. If you intend to accept the nomination please visit my site http://sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/i-am-back-and-with-an-award/
Congrats!
Thank you so much, it is my second nomination for that award and it makes me happy that people like what share. I really must do my bit and share the love soon
You have awards Two Black Dogs, should you choose to accept them. Please see my most recent blog post.
Thank you so much and I love that I have just discovered more dog blogs through your nominations
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You have awards twoblackdoggies should you choose to accept them. Please see my most recent blog post. I love the pictures and travel stories on your blog.
Wow! Thank you, so happy you love my pictures and stories
Hey there Sam!
Long time no see… and then I was organising my flat and found a serviette with your blog addy on it! We met at the 4ASD kids fundraiser last year, you were with hubby and I was accompanying Genevieve – who I still manage.
Hope all is well in your world,
Sin x
Hey Sin,
Yes I remember you and Genevieve, that was a huge night and lots of fun. All is good with us, hope life is treating you well.
Sam
You are quite an inspiration. So I have nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. http://margieinitaly.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Permalink, Reply
Thank you so much, it means alot that someone who has travelled as much as you finds my blog inspiring
Sam, I know that many have gone before me, but I so appreciate your blog that I also included Two Black Dogs on my list of nominees for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Do with it what you will/will not. http://gardensforgoldens.wordpress.com/2012/08/15/very-inspired-inspiring/
Thanks for inspiring me on a regular basis.
Ogee (now revealed as Audrey)
Thank you so much for nominating me, having someone say that I inspire them is pretty awesome. It is still a buzz to get an award but fulfilling the requirements can be extremely time consuming and at the moment my life is quite hectic so I will graciously accept the award and add you and a few other blogs I like to my Awards page for all to see
Your two black dogs are beautiful! Great blog!
Thank Jorie, they are very much loved and thank you for stopping by
2evesolovelyblackdogs
and a nice intro !
Thank you so much for stopping by and leave such a nice comment
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I just want to let you know that I have nominated you for the Blog of the year 2012 award . . . Congratulations and thank you for such a wonderful blog!
Happy Holidays!
http://sharingmyitaly.wordpress.com/2012/12/23/from-the-italian-region-of-piemonte-brasato-al-barolo-a-perfect-holiday-dish/
Thank you so much, I think that Meg Travels also nominated me but I haven’t had the time to share the joy. Now I have two awesome reasons to make the time
Happy Holidays to you too!
That Bundy is a real handsome guy! Glad to hear you decided to give blogging another try. Seems like it’s going well this time!
He is handsome and a pampered pooch to boot! I’m glad I gave blogging another try although I’m struggling to keep up of late. Thank you for stopping by
Pleasure to meet you…Trev and I send out a big high paw to Bundy and Maxi…Looking forward to reading your blog!!!!
…and a big high paw to you and Trev from Bundy and Maxi! Thank you for stopping by our blog
Your blog is the 2nd one I’ve looked at this morning and the first one was about a dog also. I have a Brittany Spaniel. I look forward to reading more! ~Sherry~
Thank you for stopping by, I love dogs as much as I love travel so it made sense to have a mixed focus for my blog. I’ve never seen a Brittany Spaniel, will have to google that particular breed, have always loved Spaniels
I love your blog cuz…there was a show on tonight about Wharepapa i my sky’d it will let you know if learn anything new…love to twoblackdoggies from one black doggie x
Thanks Cuz, wish I could watch it but will wait to hear what you learned. Love and hugs x