I think I might be making a mistake...

[Sirrahsim]

I woke up this morning with my little skin baby snuggled up against my side. On the other side of him was Boomer, all curled up, with his head on Tyler's legs... I don't know what to do :( I have had several people offer to help with the cost, but I'm so scared about putting him through that plane trip. On the other hand though, it's almost September so I only have about 3 weeks to find him the perfect home here.
What do I do??:( :(

[catmandu]

THAT,IS SO TOUGH,BECAUSE YOU,AND BOOMER,AND TYLER HAVE BONDED,AND BOOMER,THINKS THAT YOU,ARE HIS FURR EVER MEEEOOWMIE!
WE PRAY,THAT YOU CAN FIND JUST THE RIGHT HOME,FOR THAT BIG WONDERFUL
CAT!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/Picture701.jpg

[Abby&Buddy'sMom]

My thoughts. Even though I don't know the complete story, if it was me, I would somehow try to bring him home (USA) he obviously loves you all, and you all obviously love him much. You may regret your decision later if you dont bring him home with you, and something happens to him in japan. I just know, if it was me, I could not ever forgive myself....but thats just me. You must think about it (I'm sure you have) and do what is best for him and your family situation. best wishes to you all.

[jenluckenbach]

How does Boomer act when in a carrier? Did you work on training him to be relaxed in it? if the answers are GOOD and YES..........bring him home! He will be perfectly fine. If he panicks, and by that I mean claws, scratches or thrashes, when closed in a carrier, then he is not a good candidate for the flight.

I would really like to see him stay part of your family.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Take those people up on their offers!

'nuff said!

[jackie]

I have a friend who took his cat from Canada to Japan for a couple of years, and they had no problem transporting kitty. I think the cost was very low as well less than $150CAN.

When I return to Canada (I am in Spain now) I will be bringing three dogs and a cat home with me!

[Sirrahsim]

Boomer does fine in a carrier. He tends to just curl up in the corner. Shipping from Japan to USA is quite a bit more expensive. It'd be somewhere between $700-$1000.... I'll make some calls and see hwat I can find out.

[kittycats_delight]

Originally posted by jackie
I have a friend who took his cat from Canada to Japan for a couple of years, and they had no problem transporting kitty. I think the cost was very low as well less than $150CAN.

When I return to Canada (I am in Spain now) I will be bringing three dogs and a cat home with me!

Wow I hope it is that cheap. I am taking my cats to Italy and the cheapest we can fly them for is $300.00 each.

I say bring that baby home Missy. He loves you all so much and you all love him. I think the flight may be a lot less stressful than the rehoming and if you have people that want to help then that's all the more reason.

Take those people up on their offer and bring Boomer home. :)

[jenluckenbach]

DO IT!!!

13 hours in a carrier? Heck, cats sleep longer than that!

I do not think you will regret the decision to bring him home. Will you be able to manage the baby and Boomer at the airport? I think it is worth the effort.

[K & L]

If money allows bring him home! I know the feeling of being nervous about transporting, but as long as you're not traveling in extreme hot weather, it should be fine. Good luck with your decision.

[Shady]

If you dont bring Boomer home with you, given the opportunity, you may regret it for the rest of your life..he's part of your family.

Perhaps you could do some research on long flights and consult your vet, there may be some tips and solutions to make the trip easier on him.

I hope you can make it work. :) Go with your heart.

[Uabassoon]

I really think you should look at all your options, if you can afford it you should bring Boomer to the states with you. Good luck and I hope things work out.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Sirrahsim

... I'm so scared about putting him through that plane trip.

Boomer does fine in a carrier.
He tends to just curl up in the corner.

Shipping from Japan to USA is quite a bit more expensive.
It'd be somewhere between $700 - $1,000.


:(

He's FAMILY ...
you wouldn't leave the SkinKid in Japan, would you?

Somehow your quote of $700 - $1,000 seems AWFULLY "steep"!!
:eek:

And I thought that in one of the many other threads about Boomer
you had said that "someone" was wlling to accompany Boomer
as a "Carry-On" - so he could ride in the cabin
rather than in the cargo hold????

Either way - the price sounds out of line ...
Call the airline and ask again ... be sure they understand he's a KAT -
not a Horse or a Cow!

And ask the Base Family Services folks for ideas -
Boomer can't be the First & Only Military KAT that needed a way
back home to the States!

He certainly may not "enjoy" the long flight home ...
but I'd bet given the choice of "stay" or "fly" ...
he'll jump in the carrier and slam the door himself!

And ask the Military Folks if there's any way he could "sneek onto"
a Military Flight to the States.

/s/ Phred

[sirrahbed]

There are lots of complications but Missy is looking into them. The trip is very long....13-17 to the port- Newark and Atlanta are the most likely, whatever layover there is and then the last flight to Ohio. My total flight and wait time was 24 hours when I flew from Japan. If he comes in at Clevaland - that also means a five hour car trip. Also - she will have to ship him as cargo - they have told her that Narita will not allow animals in the passenger cabin (even if she is on the same airline) - also the flight she has to come home is Continental. The folks she called said that Continental does not allow pets at all on their international flights. Boomer will have to fly cargo and so she would send him as soon as possible and we will pick him up. Sooo.....she is going to make more calls and hopefully have one of her Japanese friends do the calling for her as the information they gave her before did not always agree. I made the same calls from her several months ago and the one thing I learned is that the travel must be arranged and purchased in Japan. Shipping US to Japan - yes. Japan to here must be arranged in Japan.:( As far as cost - the quote they gave me was over $900. The quotes for US to Japan are much less. It does not make sense to me but that is what I found out.

*If* Boomer can come to the states - he will come to live with us:) Then, he can go back to living with Missy. Paul and Boomer when they return to the states next fall. He would not be returning to Japan with her. I hope we are not getting our hopes up again since we have been excited and then let down before.

Missy - please post or e-mail me when you know more OK???

[Sirrahsim]

I just called all over Japan and the cheapest price I can get is 75,000Yen, which at the current yen rate is about $689. I called the base terminal and they only accept pets from people who are PCS'ing (moving for good). There is a ton of stuff to get worked out for this to happen... but it just might work.
Since the last thread the policies have changed and you can no longer bring a pet onboard an aircraft. They have to travel via a shippign service. The quote that I have is for a place called Yamaguchi who can get Boomer shipped directly to Dayton.

[sirrahbed]

This is sounding possible Missy!!:D Please find out all you can - lets pray it will work:) I know for sure that after all in said and done - you will be so glad to have Boomer in the states and I know the trip will be hard on him but he will do OK:) If he can come right into Dayton WOW:) We will be right there waiting to receive him!! No long car trip for him!! Oh my sure hope things fall into place!!

[kittycats_delight]

Debbie, Missy...this sounds promising. We will have all fingers, toes, paws and whiskers crossed here that this will work out.

(((((HUGS TO YOU BOTH))))))

Good Luck !!! and keep us updated !!! :D

[rg_girlca]

Keeping fingers and paws crossed along with big time prayers and positive thoughts that whatever decision is made, that all will work out well for precious Boomer.

[sandragonfly]

I'd say bring him with you! 14 hours & a couple hundreds worth having boomer with you for his life! (tyler's first cat).

hope things will work out whatever that wouldn't stress you anymore! many hugs along with paws crossing!!

[Sirrahsim]

Ok, this is looking very possible. I'll probably try to get him out on the 14th or so and have my Mom pickhim up at the airport. We just have to get all of the details nailed down.

boy will Paul be surprised when I get to talk to him next:p :D

[rg_girlca]

Oh Missy, I didn't want to get my hopes up too high, but this sounds more and more promising.

Good luck and keep us posted. :)

[persianmom]

Oh Missy I pray this works out. It will be hard on all but well worth it. Boomer seems like he really wants to stay with you. I will keep all fringers paws crossed also. See you soon.:D :D :D :D :D
Love Mom:D :D :D :D

[sirrahbed]

Sounding good Missy:D Like Lorraine says - getting our hopes up risks another hopeless feeling disappointment - but it is looking good!! I know that everything seems complicated but once it is done - you will get to keep Boomer!! I really think he will do fine on the flight and that he will adjust to our crew here - they are all pretty friendly cats.:D :D I will keep praying...hi Carol I see yoi posted under me here!! Yes this might work!!:)

[krazyaboutkatz]

I sure hope that everything works out with Boomer. You won't regret it.:) Please continue to keep us updated.

[jazzcat]

Fingers and paws crossed here. I really hope Boomer gets to stay in the sirrah family! :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by sirrahbed

... she will have to ship him as cargo -
they have told her that Narita will
not allow animals in the passenger cabin
(even if she is on the same plane) -

The folks she called said that Continental does not allow pets at all on their international flights.
Boomer will have to fly cargo ...


PART of what you've been told is correct ...

Continental Airlines WILL fly domestic, warm-blooded animals to
the United States FROM Japan ...

The ONLY Airport in all of Japan that Continental flies out of is
called "Narita" - airport code = "NRT" - a suburb of Tokyo.

NO Pets allowed IN THE CABIN on international flights that
fly over WATER - means Japan to USA NO pets in the cabin;
BUT - Continental WILL transport pets to the USA as "Live Animal Cargo" -
properly caged (to Continental's standards), with Vet's Certificate,
and in a Temperature & Pressure controlled cargo hold.

IF Missy delivers Boom directly to Continental at the
Narita Cargo Terminal (in Tokyo) - Continental will accept him and
deal directly with her ...

But IF Missy can't get to Narita herself, and will have to use "another airline"
to get herself and Boomer to Narita ... THEN she MUST use a "Freight Forwarder"
(a third-party middleman) to arrange the flight ...
Continenatl doesn't want to "deal with" another airline.

The story about "all arrangements must be made in Japan"
IS Correct!
Girl I talked to apologized for that - but said it IS Continental's policy ...

But she DID call Japan's Continental Office and found out:
* Continental (Japan) does have English-speaking reps -
my girl TALKED to one!
* Missy can call a JAPAN number of 476-326398 ...
I know - doesn't seem like a good number - but she verified that's
what she dialed (with international & Japan prefixes of "011 & 81")
and that 9-digit number should work in Japan.
She said to just keep repeating "ENGLISH" to get to an English-speaking
Continental rep - there ARE English-speakers working there!

She can book Boomer herself, directly with Continental at Narita;
or use a "Freight Forwarder" to shuttle him to Narita and then
onto Continental ...
or try another airline -
She suggested "Northwest" and "KLM" - she had personal expierence
arranging a missed flight guy and his Parrot from Japan to the USA -
da BIRD was allowed to fly IN-cabin on on Northwest.

DEB ~

YOU can call the Continental "Live Animal" group yourself here in
the States ...

** EDIT @ 3:30 am
DON'T CALL the number
I used 1-800-525-0280 which the gal said was a good 24/7 number
- that number is for PASSENGER Reservations and domestic flights
with Pets as "checked baggage"!!

Continental's CARGO "Pet Desk" 24/7 number is:
1-800-575-3335

Here's a link to Continental Air Cargo - Live Animals >>>
http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/animals/default.asp (http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/animals/default.asp)

From that site:
"Safeguards for Pets Traveling as Cargo
Continental's PetSafe program will allow pets that previously traveled as checked baggage to experience these safeguards when they travel as cargo, keeping them safe and their owners reassured:

* Dedicated 24-hour Live Animal Desk (1-800-575-3335 or 281-553-5052)

* Confirmed booking prior to departure

* Weather conditions constantly monitored at all points

* The ability to track and trace the animal from its origin to its destination

* Personal handling in climate-controlled vehicles for connections over Continental's hubs when the animal will be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees for more than 45 minutes.

* Continental recommends (but does not require) that SENIOR DOGS AND CATS (over 7.5 years old) receive a more extensive health examination (i.e. liver and kidney screens)."

The gal I talked to at the FIRST 1-800 number was SUPER friendly and helpful -
SHE dialed up Japan and kept Japan on the line for 15 minutes
while relaying my questions!

She said you (Deb) can call the USA Live Animal Desk yourself
and get the details -
but reminded me that the "REAL Arrangements" *MUST* be made
in Japan - not the USA.

And there really ought to be a USA Military Person on the Base that
* should KNOW how to do this
* should be willing to HELP Missy make the arrangements

/s/ Phred

[Sirrahsim]

that is the number that I called here :( They told me that Continental is no longer able to ship live animals in cabin OR as checked luggage. The Continental people sent me to the Yamaguchi place that I'll be using. Lots of confusion :(

[Soledad]

I took my cat Boo from New Zealand to Minnesota. It was a tough decision, but I decided to do it in the end because I knew Boo was strong enough to handle it and I knew I'd be a wreck without him.

Boo is an outgoing and resilient cat. Bettie is very shy and skittish. Should we move back to NZ, I do not know that I would want to put Bettie through that. She freaks out during small moves. Boo handled it well, but he was a little weirded out after the flight but seemed to recover within 24 hours. Bettie, I think it would take her weeks to feel secure again, and I don't know if I could stand to put her through that.

I guess what I'm saying is, you have to go with your gut and trust your pets' limits. The money is worth it. I believe it cost us around $1000 US to do it, and I don't miss it at all, even when things have been tight. Boo, and my relationship with him, are priceless. I'm glad I trusted my gut on this one. And as sad as it would make me to have to move internationally without Bettie, I know I'd be making the best decision *for her* by finding her a kind, loving home with someone I trust and can remain in contact with.

Don't know if my rambling on the topic helped, but either way, I know what you're going through and how hard it is.

[Sirrahsim]

NWA told me that they could only take him if I was a passenger. I already ahve my tickets for Continental. No one else will take him unless I fly with them

[Sirrahsim]

I'll make a few more calls. Thanks Phred :)

[Sirrahsim]

Ok, I just called that numebr again for Continental Cargo. They told me that they would have to transfer me to their forwarder and gave me the number for the shipping service that I have already talked to. I guess maybe they have some sort of contract together??

[Sirrahsim]

*sways in time to the hold muzak*

lullabyes:rolleyes: :D

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Sirrahsim

that is the number that I called here :(
They told me that Continental is no longer able to ship live animals
in cabin OR as checked luggage.

The Continental people sent me to the Yamaguchi place
that I'll be using.
Lots of confusion :(

You're using the wrong TERMS ...

The statements that Continental won't accept & fly pets
IN-cabin
or as "Checked Luggage"
IS Correct ...
Boomer can NOT fly as "Checked Luggage" ---
He must fly as "Live Animal CARGO" ... a different classification.

What you want is Continental's "Live Animal CARGO Service -
which is completely different than PASSENGER service
and PASSENGER LUGGAGE!!

"CARGO" may fly on the same plane - but the CARGO folks have
diffferent
rules and operate with different People!
The Passenger reps don't do CARGO -

Call em back and talk to a CARGO rep!!

/s/ Phred

[Sirrahsim]

talked to a different lady, same answer. They gave me the number to Nippon Express

[Sirrahsim]

I think I'm losing my mind

[Sirrahsim]

Northwest sent me to Nippon Express... I'll try KLM

[Sirrahsim]

I'm scared to see this month's phone bill:rolleyes:
There is no answer at all from KLM. I called the number that you gave for Continental Cargo and they also sent me to Nippon Express... I tried using the different terminology and everything :(

[Sirrahsim]

I have an appt to go to, but I'll keep poking around when I get home.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Sirrahsim

Ok, I just called that numebr again for Continental Cargo.

They told me that they would have to transfer me to their forwarder
and gave me the number for the shipping service that
I have already talked to.

I can't tell if your reading & understanding everything I'vs said ...
:confused:

Can YOU drive Boomer DIRECTLY to Narita Airport???

If YOU can deliver him directly to the Continental CARGO
facility at Nirata ... they are "supposed" to accept him
directly from YOU and
put him on a Continental plane ... no "middleman" required.

Two conditions to that:

1) Boom has to fly ALL the WAY on Continental flights ...
Nirata to the USA on Continental
AND USA Port-of-Entry to "final destination" on Continental.

2) Boom needs ALL the proper pre-flight stuff >>>
* Proper size "Continental Approved" flight crate/carrier
* International Vet Papers - dated within 10 days of take-off.
* Have NO "drugs or sedatives" in his system
* they might / might not want food & water for him - ASK
* food & water must be "packed" according to Continental's desires

You "CAN" use a Freightr Forwarder - just be SURE the one you
use:
* Has a known reputation for shipping animals "successfully"
* Has a 24/7 Japan AND USA Service Desk with the guaranteed
ability to *track* Boomer 24/7.

Again I suggest >>>
SOMEone one the Military Base *SHOULD* know how to do this
AND be willing to make the necessary phone calls to pull it off!!!

Ask the Base VETS - surely they've DONE this all before!

/s/ Phred

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Sirrahsim

I called the number that you gave for Continental Cargo
and they also sent me to Nippon Express...
I tried using the different terminology and everything :(



1) Call CARGO back and *READ* them what I wrote ...

My USA PET-rep at Continental CARGO was TALKING to a
Japan Continental rep an hour ago --
the "policy" can't have changed TAHAT fast!

2) Ask to talk to a CARGO SUPERVISOR ...
*read* him / her what USA Cargo told me.

And answer the big question -
Can YOU get to NARITA Airport yourself to personally deliver
Boomer into their care????

If YOU - or an "authorized agent" (friend) - can't deliver him;
then you do need to use a Freight Forwarder...

Continental will NOT accept a live animal from another Airline in Japan ...
you MUST use a Forwarder IF Boomer has to "fly into"
Narita Airport.

What TIME is it in Japan???
If I have to I'll call the USA gang back and get them to call
Japan again - and get a NAME for you to ask for.

/s/ Phred

[NoahsMommy]

If there's anything I can do to help, Missy, let me know. Sitting at home, healing, is a bit boring.

Let me know.

I'm so happy Boomer may get to come to the US! :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Sirrahsim

Northwest told me that they could only take him if I was a passenger.

I already have my tickets for Continental.

No one else will take him unless I fly with them

Missed this post ...

Those "YOU gotta fly with us too" statements are true
only IF you're trying to fly Boom as "Checked Luggage"
WITH a Passenger ...

But Northwest flies "Live Animal CARGO" just like
Continental does - no Hoomin required!

Again, you have to talk to Northwest CARGO reps -
the normal "passenger" reservation clerks do NOT handle
nor understand Cargo policies or procedures ...
Talk to CARGO reps or supervisors.

/s/ Phred

[Sirrahsim]

it occured to my while I was out that I will be AT Narita on Sunday! I'm sure that I will have time to talk to everyone personally while I'm waiting for hubby's Mom to arrive. I will print out the info that you gave me :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Sirrahsim

... I will be AT Narita on Sunday!
I'm sure that I will have time to talk to everyone personally ...


Just make sure you're talking to CARGO folks!!
They probably work in a seperate facility at the airport -
usually Cargo Ops are pretty remote from the 2-Legger Passenger areas.

One correction ... I previously mentioned two 1-800 numbers for
the Continental "Pet Desk" in the USA ...
**CORRECTION**
There is only ONE number that goes to Continental Cargo's
24 hour "Pet Desk" at Huston, Texas - it's 1-800-575-3335

The "gal" I talked to earlier was not a Cargo Rep -
she just knew how to do a Pet as Cargo.

I just got off the phone (again) with the "real" Pet Desk in Houston ...
Another helpful person who once again did call NARITA at the
familiar Japan number of 476-326398 ...

He got still another :eek: twist on the Kat Tail ... :rolleyes:
Narita told him that a "Freight Forwarder" was required for ALL
Live Animal Cargo shipments ...

Pet Desk (Kem) decided the best thing to do was for him to talk
to a Live Animal MANAGER when they come in in the morning ...
and let one of the USA Managers talk to a Narita Manager.

I'm supposed to get a call from a Manager/Supervisor in the morning ...
MAYBE we'll get a firm decision on what really needs to be done.

Missy ~
When you find the Narita CARGO Ops center at the airport;
ask to talk to an English-speaking Manager or Supervisor -
and be SURE to write down his/her Name, Rank & Serial nummber!

And once again - have you really *tried* to ask the Base officials
and/or the Military Vets about flying Boomer to the States?
There has GOT to be someone on the Base who knows how to do this!

I'm beat ... way past BigBed Tyme!

/s/ Phred

[Sirrahsim]

you're an angel :) I did call up the base vets. They basically told me that it was always a big a hassle, but that they couldn't really help because I'm not going to be flying on orders. I can try the family support center tomorrow. They might know something. One way or another, Boomer is gonna get to Ohio:D

[sirrahbed]

Oh Missy and Phred - how frustrating:( I called this number also:
Continental Cargo's 24 hour Pet Desk" at 1-800-575-3335 and spoke to "Christy"...
She told me that Japan does ship animals as CARGO from Japan to the US but that all arrangements must be made through a freight person in Japan. I pressed her for information as to is this freight person and Continental person or a Japanese company - OK she was gone quite awhile and came back a little frustrated but said that "only people from Narita" will accept the pet or the payment - it has to be done directly and that Continental there could give a number to call?? :confused: It is sounding like Continental is not willing to deal directly with PEOPLE trying to ship or even hget information. They would not even give Christy a price quote and the only thing she told me was that the price I had ($700-$1000) was correct - she was confused also, apologized but basically said the people in Japan could not help her either except to offer the number of someone (freight forwarder??) in Japan.
:(

[Sirrahsim]

Nippon Express will work if we can't get Continental to cooperate... Continental would probably just save a little bit of $$ if they do indeed ship animals.

[sirrahbed]

OMEGOSH PHRED - you were still up at 4:30am THIS MORNING:eek:

I want to cry - THANK YOU for trying to get this info for Missy. You are a sweetheart to do this!! I missed this thread last night as I was doing what I call "worried and pi$$ed off" phone calls here. It sounds like you get some of the same conflicting replies. But MAYBE this supervisor will call you back - MAYBE I will get pi$$ed again and call again on a different shift - MAYBE Missy can get straight answers right from the horses mouth when she is there in person Sunday. It seems like an assertive MAN gets better answers??

Phred - thank you so, so much for taking this initiative on and making these calls as well. So frustrating I know:rolleyes: But, ((((HUGS)))) to you for your work.

Even if Missy does have to use the middleman - maybe this is how they do it at that end - don't know for sure - but sure looks like Boomer will be flying to the USA :D He will have to learn cat-English (he is Japanese yanow!)

I have to go here but will check again late afternoon or evening to see if anything else shows up. Have to cry a little more - frustration I guess.....

[sasvermont]

One of our attorneys here at the office is travelling to Japan and back in early September. He will be there for meetings. He isn't the type to carry a pet around in a carrier, so I cannot offer his services. I wish I could help.

If I were you, I would ship the little devil (The Boomer) before I shipped myself and son that way the stress of having him leave and arrive in Ohio would be over with......

Missy, let me know if you need a little help with the $$$$$. If all of us sent in $5.00, you would have enough to pay for Boomer's trip.

Hope things run smoothly for you deary.

Don't stress too much about this, but I know it seems like you have no alternative. Think of it as nice stress. Is that possible!

I hope you decide to do what works for you and your family. Maybe you can find the Boom a new home, who knows. Cats can change homes VERY easily, much to our dismay sometimes. Remember Gabe? Remember Ti? Rehomed easily.

Let us know if you need to have a Boomer Trust Fund set up!

L,
SAS

[Corinna]

I would send to the Boomer fund if needed. That kitty and boy are bonded . Glad to hear he is coming one way or another. Maybe Mom could bring him as your Agent on her return. That way you would only have to worry about the baby.

[Cinder & Smoke]

... Buy your own Airplane! :rolleyes:



Originally posted by sirrahbed

- MAYBE I will get pi$$ed again and call again on a different shift -

:eek:
Don't get :mad: at the State-side Pet Folks - they really are *trying*!

NO phone call from a "Supervisor" as of 1:30 pm - so I called
the Pet Desk - again...

SUPER Friendly gal (Danetta) went off to find the Big Boss (George) -
who's at lunch.

She came back on and asked if she could try to help ...
I spilled the Tail of Grief & Woe ...

She offered three new Nuggets of Info ...

1) POSSIBLY the Continental Narita Air Cargo Ops are actually handled
by employees of Japan Airlines (under contract to Continental).
That SHOULD cause no grief, but MAYBE there is some confusion
developed by possibly different airline policies.

2) POSSIBLY the Japan phone number we've been using (476-326398)
is being answered by :eek: Passenger Reps and not real CARGO specialists ...

3) POSSIBY the Government of Japan "insists" upon a Freight Forwarder
being involved on Live Animal shipments ...

Dannie said SHE WILL find and "bug" George the Boss to get to
the bottom of the problem and get back to me.

I suggest we wait a while to see if George da Boss can dig up
a straight story that we can understand.

/s/ Phred

[Shady]

Originally posted by sasvermont
One of our attorneys here at the office is travelling to Japan and back in early September. He will be there for meetings. He isn't the type to carry a pet around in a carrier, so I cannot offer his services. I wish I could help.

If I were you, I would ship the little devil (The Boomer) before I shipped myself and son that way the stress of having him leave and arrive in Ohio would be over with......

Missy, let me know if you need a little help with the $$$$$. If all of us sent in $5.00, you would have enough to pay for Boomer's trip.

Hope things run smoothly for you deary.

Don't stress too much about this, but I know it seems like you have no alternative. Think of it as nice stress. Is that possible!

I hope you decide to do what works for you and your family. Maybe you can find the Boom a new home, who knows. Cats can change homes VERY easily, much to our dismay sometimes. Remember Gabe? Remember Ti? Rehomed easily.

Let us know if you need to have a Boomer Trust Fund set up!

L,
SAS

Count me in for the Bring Boomer Home Fund. I will gladly help.

Tess

[Donnaj4962]

I am just reading this thread.... sorry. how can I send money to help get the little guy home? I am willing to help, wlthough it will only be a meager amount. Wish I could do more. Please let me know. Thanks.

[moosmom]

Bring that baby home Missy!!! Ask the vet for a mild tranquilizer just in case. Tell the airlines you want to witness them putting Boomer in the plane. Like Michelle said:


I say bring that baby home Missy. He loves you all so much and you all love him. I think the flight may be a lot less stressful than the rehoming and if you have people that want to help then that's all the more reason.

[barncat]

I'm so glad it seems Boomer will be coming home with you.... I don't really know you but the way you write about him and the pictures show a very special bond. Perhaps he'd form a bond again if re-homed, but you are going through so much right now I am glad you specialcat will be with you...

[Sirrahsim]

PM's have been sent :) let me know if I forgot you :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by sirrahbed

Even if Missy does have to use the middleman -
maybe this is how they do it at that end - don't know for sure -
but sure looks like Boomer will be flying to the USA :D
He will have to learn cat-English (he is Japanese yanow!)


Sorry to be so late with this - trying to spring Mutt #34 in
West Virginia took some time...

The SHORT version ...

Big Boss George didn't feel the need to call me back ...

Underling named Jocelyn (the most UNpleasant Continental person
I've run into so far!) called and asked "What's your problem?"

Basic story from HER is:

Our Japanese Number (476-326398) is "supposed" to be answered
by their "Local Freight Forwarder/Handler - Phoenix Transport"

Those folks are "supposed to know" How to Handle a pet flight to the US.

Telling her that the Continental/Phoenix people told MULTIPLE
and conflicting stories ...
She wasn't impressed.

She DID offer the "Nirata Station Manager's" name =
Hiro Donoshita with a phone number of (476-324888)

I reminded her that SOME of the Nirata folks had told Missy she
needed a "Freight Forwarder" - WHY would their contracted
Freight Forwarder be sending a custommer to ANOTHER Freight Forwarder ??
... she started playing dumb like she didn't understand me ....

:mad:

So going along what this new slant ...
She offered the name of:
"Nippon Express" - phone # (476-328011) ...
(now someone passed THAT number to me last night -
but they had no idea WHOSE number it was.)

According to helpful Ms Jocelyn -
Nippon Express is "Another Freight Forwarder" who can ship via Continental.

Ms Jocelyn was NOT in the mood to call Narita -
"Too early for them to be there".

Her final suggestions were:

1) Calll our "old" number at Narita and just ask to
"Book a Flight for my Kat to the USA" .. and seee where they lead you ... "supposed to be easy to do" sez Jocelyn.

2) Call Stn Mngr Hiro at (476-324888) and ask him what his version
of the procedure is.

3) Call Nippon Express at (476-328011) and ask THEM if they can
fly Boomer -
and what you need to do to make THEM happie!

I asked WHERE on the airport the Continental / Phoenix CARGO
Terminal was?? "OH, I have no idea" was her helpful reply! :mad:
"Anyone should be able to direct your friend to them".

About the ONLY thing she seemd certain of was that Boomer
would HAVE to be "processed" by a "Freight Handler" ...

MY Suggestions:

1) Try one more call to the "old" number (476-326398) and
just start out to "Book him a flight" ... and roll along with whatever
they tell you to do ...
IF it seems reasonable and they act like they know what they're talking
about - give your payment info and get an Airbill Number, Flight Info,
and a time & place to deliver him.

If THAT seems like it's not going well ...
"Drop IN" on Sunday and try too find SOMEone at the Air CARGO
facility and try to have an intelligent conversation ...

Remember - on Sunday there prolly won't be any really High-Up
Manager types working ...
But I seem to get more info from the low-level "flunkies"!

If Sunday doesn''t go well ... we'll try again next week.

Things you CAN do right now are:

1) VISIT the Base VET Clinic and ask if they have the required
A) "International Vet Certificate" and
B) A VET who is "authorized & approved" by the Japanese Government
to SIGN the form.
C) An approved "Rabies Certificate" to give you ...

The Airline and/or Japanese Government Agents are going to
DEMAND "Original Certificates" - not copies ...
and the Vet should "try" to sign legibly.

The Vet Certificate of Health has GOT to be signed no earlier than 10 days
before take-off ... don't get it till you know when Boom is
scheduled to fly.

Make copies of EVERYthing for your records!

While you're at Nirata on Sunday - ask for a flyer detailing the
"approved" flight carrier Boomer will need.

Sure am glad this is going so well :rolleyes: ...
Can't remember when I've heard this much double-talk or
gotten this bad a run-around!

Keep the faith ...

/s/ Phred

[Sirrahsim]

YOU are my hero:D
As soon as I know when Boomer will be flying I can make an appt with the base vet. They can give me all of the necessary forms and they looked at his chart to make sure that all of his shots are up to date and everything. I will still need to have a health inspection done by the vets at Narita, but as long as I have the paperwork it shouldn't be a big deal and I can do it the same day.

I appreciate all of the running around that you are doing, but I'm really starting to think that just going Nippon Express is going to be the least hassle. They seem to be a respectable company and thanks to the generosity of PT'ers the cost isn't really an issue anymore. Shipping a pet is confusing:(

[moosmom]

Missy,

You said that Boomer will be in the carrier for 13 hours? All 6 of my cats were in carriers (doubled up in large carriers) for a 12 hours ride from Connecticut to Michigan. I think Boomer will do just fine.