From Sunshine to Snow: Maple's Big Move From Queensland to Germany
- adkrueger3
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If someone had told Maple - a sun-loving dachshund from Queensland - that she’d soon be trading warm beach walks for snowy forests in northern Germany … well, she probably would have flopped onto her back and demanded belly rubs instead. But life is full of surprises, and this winter brought the biggest one yet: Maple officially moved from sunny Queensland to the magical, frosty town of Schwerin.
And yes … she has already experienced snow. Actual snow. The fluffy, cold, „what-on-earth-is-this-wet-white-stuff-on-my-paws“ kind of snow.
Here’s the story of how this adorable journey happened.
Preparing Maple for a Journey Halfway Across the World
When you are moving a dog internationally, there’s a checklist. A long one. A „maybe-I-should-make-a-cup-of-coffee-before-I-read-this“ one.
Vaccinations? Check.
Vet certificates? Check.
Crate training? Check, after Maple spent a dramatic three days pretending the crate was a monster until she finally realised it was just a cosy bedroom with free snacks.
Packing was another story. Maple watched me carefully as her favourite toys and blankets were tucked into the suitcase. I swear she knew something big was happening - though she probably hoped it was a holiday to the Gold Coast.
The Long-Haul Flight: Maple Takes to the Skies
Flying across the world is no small task - even for humans. But Maple handled it like a true sausage-shaped champion.
When the pet transport agency picked her up, she had no idea she was about to be 30,000 feet in the air. But inside her crate, she settled in well - especially after discovering some hidden treats. ( Yes, bribery always works.)
If Maple could talk, she’d likely give the journey a solid review: „Good snacks, decent nap spots, but maybe more legroom next time, please!“ Meanwhile, I spent hours obsessing over flight updates like an overly anxious parent.
But she made it to Germany safely - smiling, wagging, and a little jet-lagged but ready for cuddles. The reunion? Absolutely priceless, filled with excitement and overwhelming happiness.
First Impressions: Snowflakes, Cold Noses & Big Feelings
Nothing could’ve prepared Maple for her first step onto German soil … or rather, German snow.
She sniffed it.
She nudged it.
She looked at me as if to ask, „What on earth is this? Is it dangerous?“ But soon enough, she was leaping through it, ears flopping, tail wagging nonstop. Schwerin, with its stunning forests, lakes, and fairytale-like castle, seemed made for Maple’s new adventure. She immediately embraced it.
The cold climate? Not a problem. Dachshunds are hardy little dogs, after all. And Maple? She seemed to discover a whole new energy. Her walks became faster, more exciting - she practically raced through the snowy streets. It felt like she’d found a new zest for life.
Helping Maple Adjust after Her Long Flight
Physically adjusting
We kept things slow at first - short walks, small meals, and probiotics to help her stomach handle the big changes. A cosy bed and warm snuggles also worked wonders.
Emotionally adjusting
Dachshunds thrive on routine, so we quickly settled into a schedule for her new life in Germany:
Morning cuddles
Snow sniffing adventures
Afternoon indoor playtime
Early bedtime … because it gets dark at 4 pm and Maple believes bedtime is determined by the sun
She’s adapting beautifully, charming everyone she meets and making sure to milk her „I am new here“ status for extra attention and treats.
A New Chapter Begins
Moving from Australia to Germany has been a whirlwind of emotions, logistics, and adorable dachshund moments - but seeing Maple bounce through snow, cuddle into winter blankets, and explore her new world makes every step worth it.
She’s proof that even the smallest dogs can take on the biggest adventures.
Here’s to new beginnings, snowy memories, and many more stories from our life in Germany. Winter may be cold, but it brings a charm that we never experienced in Queensland - especially when watching Maple discover it all for the first time.
And if you’ve moved abroad with your little dashie - or your dachshund has had a dramatic reaction to winter - I’d love to hear your stories too.
The next chapter of Maple’s adventure has only just begun.
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