Hi all - thanks for your replies.

Chelsea - great news re the shelter, I would love to come down and help out and Im sure Riddick will love it too. I'll look up the facebook group and get involved in the walks as that sounds good! 9 dogs....that must be quite a walk you have!

marycatherine - thanks for letting me know where the beach is, have heard that places are quite easy to get to in / around Doha, but will bear this location in mind when we arrive.

Dem - thanks for the advice re BA and QA, I think I would prefer QA as well, esp with the direct flights etc. I have emailed Airpets, so hope thet can help me (sounds like they are a good company), I think he needs the rabies shot a month before we come, so as soon as hubby's visa is approved we will book him in for this.

Thanks everyone - you have made me feel happier about our decision, as I want him to enjoy it as much as we will : )