Aly and I are open for suggestions

[Logan]

Aly is in Austin, TX. Bennie Cockatiel and I are in Greenville, SC. She can drive a ways and I can drive a ways, but we are still VERY far apart. It's basically an 18 hour drive between us. So, I'm just putting it out there to try to get 1 or 2 people, in between us to help us transport Bennie to Aly. Pet Talk's first bird transport!!!! :D

Look at the map and if you are in the middle somewhere and are willing to help, send one or both of us a PM. We know this is a long shot, and neither of us "like" having to ask for help, but I figure, "what the heck", if it helps to get that sweet baby to the lady who already loves him so much, we should try!!!!

http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?ed=xTowJeV.wimQQVd6MsEKU7USFw--&csz=Greenville%2C+SC&country=us&tcsz=Austin%2C+TX&tcountry=us

[micki76]

I can do from the Dallas area to a bit east (not sure how far, maybe somewhere in Arkansas, or beyond?). :)

I've done the drive to SC straight through, once! :eek: It was horrible!

Too bad Lori's (jazzcat) not planning on visiting her brother. (He lives here in the Dallas area.

Of course, if I could get off of work and go the PT meeting in TN, I'd be WAY closer! :D

[Logan]

Micki, if you came to TN, then I would drive up there, for sure!!!! :D

And if anyone is going to fly from Atlanta to Texas, then maybe Bennie could hitch a ride. I am not even sure of the airline regulations for birds in flight, but I transported the other two babies to their new home in my soft sided cat carrier, and we know it would fit under a seat on a plane with no problem!!! :) I'm sort of thinking out loud. It can't hurt!!! :D

I told Aly that I just feel like Bennie was meant to be with her from the very beginning and I want to make that happen if possible. Heck, she's having Cockatiel dreams.........I'm sure Bennie is the star of those dreams!!! :)

[micki76]

Originally posted by Logan
Micki, if you came to TN, then I would drive up there, for sure!!!! :D

Unfortunately, I doubt I will be able to afford to go. And hubby has no vacation, so I'd have to go alone. :(

I really would like to go.

I was wondering if he could fly. :confused:

[Barbara]

A pity I can't drive. 18 hrs between TX and SC- I would never have thought it's that much:)

Good luck for finding a good chain:)

[popcornbird]

Good luck to Bennie! I'm waaaay too far to be of any help, but I want to wish Bennie good luck on his journey. Have you considered sending him by air?

[Logan]

Originally posted by popcornbird
Good luck to Bennie! I'm waaaay too far to be of any help, but I want to wish Bennie good luck on his journey. Have you considered sending him by air?

No, we haven't. I think we are both waaaaaaay too concerned about his having proper treatment, with people we trust, to even try that. If he could fly, in cabin, with someone, that would be different. I hope Aly will pipe in on this subject, but right now, I don't think that is a possibility, although I know it is done all the time. Just not this time!!! I'm not sure I could put Bennie on a plane without a human escort, to tell you the truth!

[micki76]

Originally posted by Logan
I'm not sure I could put Bennie on a plane without a human escort, to tell you the truth!

Eh hem. Then escort him! :D I'd drive to Austin for a mini meeting if you did! :D :D :D

[CamCamPup33]

SC is pretty close to me. Although it still is some mile's.

Good luck to Bennie!! :D

[Logan]

Originally posted by micki76
Eh hem. Then escort him! :D I'd drive to Austin for a mini meeting if you did! :D :D :D

Believe me, if I had the extra $$$$, Bennie and I would be on a plane in a heartbeat to at least Dallas. *sigh* But I'm thinking Bennie is going to have to travel the old fashioned way in Aly's "Cammie", my Jeep and whomever we can fit in between!!!! :)

[aly]

I've been racking my brain for months on the positives and negatives of every transportation possibility. I am with Logan in that I would never let Bennie be put on a plane by himself. Its too bad we don't know of anyone flying. I'm going to get in touch with my sister and see when the next time she's visiting is. She's in DC and may be able to fly him to me.

[Cinder & Smoke]

It's a long shot, and will take some leg-work, but here goes:

Check around your respective areas for any Manufacturing Companies
that heve Their OWN TRUCKING Operation -
a fleet of Company-Owned & Operated delivery trucks.

A lot of the Dog Transport Groups rely on Over-the-Road
Truck Drivers to help with transports.

And check with your friends - who might be headed off on a
vacation or family visit trip.

Ya don't s'poze Bernie would wann FLY ~
like on ~ Wing Power ~ do ya??
Aly could "Leave the Lites ON" to guide him in! :p

;)
.

[popcornbird]

Yeah........why doesn't Bennie fly to Aly on his own wings? ;) If birds can migrate for thousands of miles, Bennie should be able to do that. If only he didn't get confused by directions. :o

:p

[aly]

Hehe, Logan will have to let me know if he packs his suitcase and flies out the door so I can open my windows for him :D

In the meantime, I've been stocking up on cockatiel toys and treats. Its so fun shopping for birds! I think I may be more amused by the toys than the birds are :o

[guster girl]

I **MIGHT** be going to south carolina sometime in september to visit family. How soon are you wanting to do this?

[Logan]

Originally posted by guster girl
I **MIGHT** be going to south carolina sometime in september to visit family. How soon are you wanting to do this?

We want it when we can work it out!!!! It would be fabulous to meet you and to know that you could safely carry that baby back to Aly. Guster Girl, send one of us a PM when you know your plans. September is sounding good to both of now, because the sooner her is with her, the sooner they can start bonding. :)

Logan

[jazzcat]

Originally posted by Barbara
[B]A pity I can't drive. 18 hrs between TX and SC- I would never have thought it's that much:)
That is the main big reason I can't get Chance and Lucky. I'm abput as far from Aly as Logan is.:( I think my husband is thankful there are that many miles between us because he knows the boys would already be here if we lived closer.

Aly and Logan - I'm sorry I can't be of any help. Since I have to take care of my dad I won't be able to visit my brother in Dallas any time soon or else I would try to help get him that far. Best of luck!

[micki76]

Well, there HAS to be a solution. Hopefully Kari will be visiting SC and can bring Bennie back. If not, we'll figure out some way to get him to you, Aly. My boss even has family in Mississippi that could *possibly* be willing to bring him to the Dallas area if it coincided with their trip to DFW.

[aly]

Wow Kari! If you are going, were you flying or driving?

Logan - I will use this thread to beg for new Bennie pics ;)

[guster girl]

Originally posted by aly
Wow Kari! If you are going, were you flying or driving?

Logan - I will use this thread to beg for new Bennie pics ;)

I'd be driving if I went at all. It just depends on my brother and on my job. :) It's iffy right now. I mean, if you can get something together, go for it. But, I could be an option, just wanted to throw that out there. I'm trustworthy, I'd follow all advice given on how to care for Bennie during the trip. :)

[aly]

I'd trust you with any of my babies, Kari :)

Let me know if you do end up going. For right now, we'll keep exploring other options, but if you do go and wouldn't mind bringing back a cute little birdy, I'd be FOREVER in your debt :D

[Cincy'sMom]

Unfortunatly I am too far norht to help, but I did have athought...Molly (mugsy) seems to have contacts all over the country. I don't know if you would be comfortable with sendinthe bird with someone you don't know, but maybe you could PM her and see if she knows anyone who maybe be able to help.

[auggie]

Logan, Aly, too bad I didn’t go to Germany in August instead of June/July, because I had several hours lay over in Atlanta and would have loved to bring the birdie back to Texas

[Harmanie]

Wow I'm gunna look completly stupid but I must have missed somthing!:o Or is this one of those things in which its none of my business but umm, what are yall planning to do? If you don't want me to know and its grown folks business, then thats cool with me too.:)

[aly]

Hehe. We can tell you :) I am trying to adopt one of Logan's baby cockatiels. We are just really far apart and trying to arrange something to make it easier.

[My Peanuts]

I was just thinking about Bennie. Did you guys figure out what you are going to do?

[Logan]

We don't have any ideas, yet. Bennie is still with me. I truly believe that he will be better off in a home without his dad, Roger, and of course, I'd love for him to be with Aly more than anyone else. Roger doesn't like Bennie, and bites his feet. I can't leave them out together for that reason. :( Roger and Milly are residing in one cage at this point and Bennie in the other.

If he can't go to Aly, I need to find him another home, where he can be loved, and soon.

Ideas anyone?

Logan

[Rottieluver45]

Oh, I wish I could help! But I live in Austin too. :(
I wish ya'll both good luck!!

[aly]

Oh no Logan!!!!!!!!!! I didn't know they weren't getting along too well.

How far away are you from Mertle Beach? I'm trying to devise another plan.

[Logan]

I can be in Myrtle Beach in 4 hours, Aly. I'm glad you're still planning!

Don't worry, I'm not going to let Roger hurt Bennie baby. He's just being ornery. Little Bennie runs over to where his mama is when that happens! LOL!!

[aly]

My boyfriend's brother is in Mertle Beach so I'm trying to see if we can maybe fly out for a visit. I'm not too sure if it'll work out yet, but I'm hoping and praying.

I have the cage, lots of toys, bowls, and a bird bath now. My boyfriend and I go to the pet stores every weekend and interact with the cockatiels. He's quickly turned into a cockatiel lover and he can't wait until I get one. Its so funny. He embarrasses me in the store by talking too loudly to the birds in a baby voice. :D

[Rottieluver45]

Awwww!! How cute! :)

[Logan]

Aly, let me know, when you can, about your potential trip. Fall is a GREAT time to visit the Myrtle Beach area....crowds are down and you can still enjoy the beach and the restaurants are still open, but with less people waiting in line. Yummy low country seafood awaits you!! Plus Bennie!!! Scott and I would love an excuse to visit the Myrtle Beach area. We haven't been in over a year. Bennie would love that too!!!! He needs you!!!! ;)

Logan

[aly]

I should hopefully find out soon. I think it depends on how his parent's house holds up during Ivan. He might have to go out there and help them, but I'm hoping his parents can meet us in SC instead.

This is thinking ahead, but should I buy the same brand of food as you are feeding him now? Do you give him pellets with a little seed mixed in? Is bird food like dog food in that the higher quality stuff is at pet stores and the grocery store brands aren't as good? I've been reading a lot about their diet, but don't know anything specifically about brands.

[Logan]

If I'm really on the ball, I order the pellets from Harrison's. I don't have any of those pellets right now. I do have some from Petsmart and I mix those with seed. I only rarely buy seed from the grocery store (but I have done it in a pinch). I usually buy my seed at Petsmart or at the Feed and Seed store where they carry a lot of bird supplies.

I wouldn't worry about getting same brand, Aly. Birds aren't really like dogs and cats in that way, I don't think.

Logan

[Freckles]

Anything new about Bennie/Benita's journey to Texas?:)

[Logan]

No. :( :( It's the driving distance that is the problem, Joan.

Bennie needs another home so that he can get more attention and training. He/she (still not sure) is so cute, but his parents pick on him when they are all out. Parents need to be separated because Mama is an egg laying machine......she has laid 6 this week.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I don't know if this helps any, but as of right now, Terry and I are planning on spending Christmas in Galveston, Tx with the motorhome, and then on our way home we are tentatively planning on going to New Orleans for New Years Eve, then head North on I-55 to Chicago. Oops, never mind, I just realize that's going the wrong way....sorry. :(

[Karen]

Okay - anyone driving from the East Coast to Texas - or in that direction - for Thanksgiving, that most-traveled holiday of them all?

[Freckles]

That's a great idea, Karen. Must be some folks out traveling later this month!:)

[chrissycat21]

I wish I could help. But I live in all the way in Chicago, can't drive, and my family isn't planning any vacations. Best of luck finding someone to drive! Fingers, paws, and fins crossed for you over here!

[aly]

I got excited for a minute there Debbie... then I realized its the wrong way too :o :)

I can travel a good distance east if that helps. I am VERY scared to do the whole 18 hours by myself though. I am still considering doing it all by myself, but it'd be really nice if someone lived in between us and could cover even a little ground.

[Kfamr]

If I had been driving to Utah instead of flying (like I had wished to do) I probably could have some way driven Bennie to Aly. :(

[guster girl]

Hey, Aly. I want to drive home to South Carolina, too. I need a vacation. How long would you be in South Carolina? My parents would put us up in Columbia no problem. I just can't use my car, the brakes are going bad fast. Let me know, though, if you have a vehicle that would work and if you'd be willing to stay in the area for a few days. I'd have a real problem driving all that way, and, leaving right afterwards. I still haven't found a job, yet, so, my schedule is open. I could leave as early as Tuesday.

[guster girl]

Have you guys figured something out yet?

[Jods]

does someone from PT live close to you aly? maybe they can come with you and you could take turns driving so you didn't have to do the whole 18 hours

[Logan]

You are obviously both welcome to stay with us in Greenville, too, although, Guster Girl, I know you want to be with your family in Columbia. We are only about 100 miles from Columbia.

Bennie needs Aly, for sure, and I'll do whatever to make that happen.

Logan

[Kfamr]

Just out of curiousity, Logan, if in the unfortunate event that Aly cannot get Bennie to Texas, do you know what you're going to do with him?

[guster girl]

Originally posted by Logan
You are obviously both welcome to stay with us in Greenville, too, although, Guster Girl, I know you want to be with your family in Columbia. We are only about 100 miles from Columbia.

Bennie needs Aly, for sure, and I'll do whatever to make that happen.

Logan

It could be simply us driving to one of the places (greenville or columbia, whichever is first!), one of us being dropped off and the other continuing to go to the other place. Then, the person with the car going to get the other person and both driving back to Texas.....just brainstorming here. The only problem might be that I may have to take Finn with me. He's fine in the car, but, I don't know (depending on the size of the vehicle) if that would be cool with you and Aly. Having Finn and Bennie both in there. Like I said, I'm just thinking of stuff....

[lbaker]

Let's see.. Val (DukeDogsMom) is going to Ohio REAL SOON, maybe this weekend... so maybe.. not really on the way but could be close enough.. to meet part way? Well, she will have Duke and is picking up a kitten so THAT might be a bit awkward BUT.. Not sure of the route she's taking, oh dang.. just trying out errant thoughts. I want Aly and Bennie to be as one. Geez, wish I could help.

[guster girl]

well, i live only about three hours from aly, and, i want to go to south carolina, so, hopefully, we can work this out.

[Logan]

Kay, Bennie will stay here if Aly doesn't get him, unless I find another person that I trust enough to let him go. I really need to separate Roger and Milly, and with only two cages and no more space for a 3rd one, it is hard. I think Bennie needs to be an only bird with lots of attention. His parents are not very nice to him. :(

I would worry about Bennie riding that far with a dog in the car, folks, even with him in a cage, but it is not impossible. My dogs never get anywhere near him.

I'll keep watching this post, but it might be tomorrow before I'm back.

Logan

[guster girl]

well, if aly lets me know if i'm a travel option for her, i'll see if i can get someone to watch my dog. i don't think anyone will, though. he's well behaved, just big.

[guster girl]

Hey, Aly! Wanna let me know if you need my help or not? :)

[chrissycat21]

Any updates?

[Logan]

I'm thinking that if Aly was going to respond, she would have done it by now. I have not heard from her, and I understand she has been sick, but I assume that those of you who have sent me a PM have also sent her one? Bennie is right here, doing just fine and I'm glad for him to go to Aly if she can work it out.

Logan

[aly]

Sorry guys, I didn't see the updates to this thread since the last post I made. The only PMs I received about it were from Freckles and she helped me bounce around a few ideas.

You're right Logan, I haven't been feeling well at all so that is why I missed this thread. I still check PT, but don't remember to check everywhere all the time so I guess it got bumped down to where I couldn't see it :(

It seems like every plan I come up with has some sort of flaw. It basically comes down to the fact that I want him to be as comfortable, happy, and SAFE as possible during the trip. I've been doing tons of research and reading up on travelling with birds to try to find the best way to plan this. I guess it looked to some people that I wasn't trying, but I really have been trying hard.

I just read in someone's journal though that they are possibly getting Bennie so I guess I am too late. I really did want him and I was really trying hard. I feel pretty heartbroken about the whole thing right now :( I've always just wanted what was best for him.

[guster girl]

Hey, Aly. I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. I've sent you a ton of pms about my wanting to help you, that stinks that you didn't get any of them. :( I hope you feel better soon.