Oli is not just any dog; she is the most travelled dog from Cyprus, having visited an impressive 24 countries. A mix of toy poodle, Nordic Spitz, and Braque Français Pyrénées, Oli’s journey began in a shelter before she found her forever home.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Most travelled: A Rocky Start to a Global Adventure
Before embarking on her globe-trotting adventures, Oli faced a series of challenges. Initially fostered twice, she was finally adopted by a Cypriot family, only to be returned within a week. Edward Stanley Cary, her adoptive dad, explained, “They said she shed too much hair, that she left hair on the sofa.” After another brief adoption that ended when the new owner realised they were allergic to dogs, Oli returned to the shelter yet again.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
A New Beginning
It was then that Edward and his wife, Martina, decided to foster Oli during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Edward, who grew up in Cyprus, and Martina, from the Czech Republic, were both 45 and frequently travelled for work. Their decision to foster came after they had initially taken in a nervous dog named Andy, who struggled to adapt. Martina suggested bringing in a more confident dog, and that’s when Oli entered their lives.
“The first day she came to us, she immediately ran into our bedroom, jumped on the bed and basically said, ‘Hello guys, I love you’,” Edward fondly recalled. This initial connection blossomed into a deep bond, and after Andy found a new home, they decided that Oli belonged with them.
Adapting Travel Plans for a New Family Member
With their newfound love for Oli, Edward and Martina faced the challenge of adjusting their travel plans. Previously, they would embark on two-month trips to Latin America, but they realised this wouldn’t be fair to Oli. “We thought to ourselves: we can’t just leave the dog for two months […] That’s not fair on Oli,” Edward said. They decided to shorten their trips to around three weeks and arranged for trusted pet sitters to care for her when they were away.
However, rather than scaling back their travel altogether, they conceived a new plan: exploring Europe more thoroughly. “Why don’t we just travel more of Europe? We haven’t really travelled much of our own back door,” Edward mused.
Oli’s European Journey Begins
Oli’s first adventure came in June 2023, when she flew to the Czech Republic. Weighing 12 kilos, she had to travel in the hold, but with her vaccinations in order and a shirt from Edward for comfort, the trip went smoothly. From that point on, the couple decided to primarily travel by car to minimise Oli’s anxiety. Edward shared, “We have a freezer in the back… I originally bought it for 12 bottles of wine, but sadly now it’s for the dog’s food.”
Between June and August 2023, Oli visited several countries, including Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Italy. The following year, they planned trips to France, Spain, Portugal, and Andorra. By spring 2025, the list expanded significantly to include Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Poland.
Memorable Moments and Special Places
Italy holds a special place in the hearts of Edward and Martina. Edward reminisced, “That trip was actually for our wedding. We went to Italy to get married, and then we thought, ‘OK, let’s continue and travel to Sicily for a little honeymoon.’ And the dog came with us.”
As their travels progressed, Edward began documenting the countries Oli had visited. “I started just noting down where our little Cypriot shelter dog has been,” he said. With each new adventure, Oli’s list of countries grew, and Edward estimated that by the end of 2024, it would reach 32.
The Criteria for Counting a Country
Edward and Martina have established their own rules for what constitutes a visit. A country earns its place on Oli’s list only if she takes a walk and “marks” her territory—after which they promptly clean up, which they refer to as “ethical marking.”
A Unique Title Among Shelter Dogs
With Oli’s extensive travels, Edward believes she may hold the unofficial title of the most travelled Cypriot shelter dog. He acknowledges that while many pet owners take their dogs on trips, Oli’s extensive journey sets her apart. “In the absence of any official record, it seems only fair to acknowledge her title,” Edward stated.
The Joy of Adoption
Despite the challenges that come with adoption, Edward and Martina are grateful for their decision to bring Oli into their lives. Adoption can be a rewarding but also demanding experience, as prospective pet owners must consider the realities of pet ownership, including shedding, mess, and travel logistics. Edward summed it up well: “It took a few attempts, but third time’s the charm, and she was lucky enough to be adopted from the shelter and given the life she truly deserves.”
