An off-grid couple have found a remote Devon cabin which has become a sanctuary for their dying dog.
When full-time travellers and filmmakers Fraser Read and Tracy Francies, known as Unlikely Explorers, set off across Europe in their 4×4 off-grid campervan with their two dogs, Bear, 12, and Womble, 12, what began as a love for freedom and adventure quickly became a way of life.
Fraser, 38, and Tracy, 37, built a life on the road, sharing their incredible journey with followers of Unlikely Explorers, telling people back home in the Midlands, UK, about the amazing landscapes they’ve explored, from the Arctic Circle to the mountains of southern Spain.
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However, that all changed earlier this year in May, after 18 months, when their lives took an unexpected turn.
“While travelling through Spain, our beloved dog Bear was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer,” Fraser told What’s The Jam.
“Suddenly, our days of discovery became entirely focused on keeping Bear comfortable and cared for.
“So we decided to make the long journey home to the UK for his treatment.”
Bear was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer to which the vets said they could treat with chemo.
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In the middle of all the uncertainty, they came across The Fishing Lodge, a secluded eco-cabin through Devon Hideaways.
The full time travellers, who stayed there for 12 weeks, said: “It changed everything.
“Hidden deep within 250 acres of woodland between Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, the lodge felt like another world entirely.
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“Far removed from the noise and chaos of everyday life – which is just what we needed.”
From the moment they arrived, they felt an instant sense of calm – finding a serene area for Bear to relax.
After months of long distance travel and the emotional strain of caring for a seriously unwell dog on the road, they finally had the space to pause.
Fraser said: “It was the first time in months we could finally breathe out.
“The remoteness that first drew us to the property gave us exactly what we needed.
“Stillness, privacy and a sense of calm that meant we could focus fully on Bear.”
It was a hard three months but now, Bear has completed his regular chemo sessions and had a leg amputation to stop any remaining cells from spreading.
Fraser said: “If it wasn’t for the missing leg you would never know anything happened.
“However, the condition is still limiting so we are choosing to focus on making these the best years for both of them yet.
“He has made a great comeback and managing to outpace his brother Womble, who may have all 4 limbs still but suffers with terrible Arthritis.
“Womble quietly sits in the background but is always there to comfort his brother, and can be found laying his head over Bear in their bed.”
The team at Devon Hideaways went above and beyond, leaving flowers and a handwritten card, small gestures that meant so much during a painful time.
Fraser added: “The whole experience felt deeply personal.
“It created a sense of normality we hadn’t felt in so long.
“Having that safe space made all the difference.
“From the moment we saw the property, we were drawn to its remoteness and couldn’t believe something like this would even exist in the UK.
“After months of long-distance travel and the chaos of managing a seriously unwell dog on the road, it felt like a safe haven.
“A place to step away from everything happening in the world.”
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