Getting Ready For The Trip

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

As some you of you may know from my last post, Drake and I are going to Lebanon next Friday. It has been a hectic week so far for me and next week will be just as busy.

Drake had a dental today. He will be four in June and this was his first time. The vet said his teeth looked pretty good, but there are places I can not reach with the toothbrush and Drake's breath was starting to get a bit stinky! He did really well and was a bit loopy and grogy until about 4 PM today. Tomorrow we go to the State Vet to get an Official Health Certificate. I guess it is fancier than a plain ole Health Certificate. Our vet also gave us sedatives for the trip. Drake will be getting sahved again this weekend or on Monday. His fur is growing back fast and it is pretty hot in Lebanon. Then a bath will follow on Thursday, the day before we travel. Drake is going to be so beautiful for his trip! He! He! He!

In addition to tending to Drake and his preparations, I have a load of things that I need to get done for myself and get the house ready before I leave. Another project of mine is making a customized T-shirt to wear on the flight. I don't know, something cute and witty with Maybe Drake's picture on it? Any ideas for the very talented PTers here? I bought some trasfer paper and plan on printing it and ironing it on a t-shirt. "Watch out, Lebanon! Drake is here!" Just a thought. Any ideas are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

I will try and get some pictures posted before I leave. I need to
take some new ones.

[lbaker]

With Drakes picture on the t-shirt you don't really need words but I'm sure one of our PetTalkers can come up with something clever Why did Drakes fur need to be cut earlier? Did I miss something? I would think his thick fur would have been an asset in Germany. How long of a flight will it be? I'm sure you have checked the travel safety record of the particular airlines but please let us know when you and dear Drake arrive. I'll WORRY. Do take care and I hope you both get spoiled rotten while at "home". Best wishes and love to Andrew of course the next time you hear from him.
Your (and Drakes) friend
Laurie

[Cinder & Smoke]

WW, Drake!

A New Do fur da Big Trip! NEET!

Have a nice, Safe Trip!

Hey Mom ~
I know Drake has a LOT of Frequent Flyer Miles...
But have you planned for all possible "problems"?

Be sure you have a good List of the Airline's Cargo-Tracing and
Pet-Assistance Centers - ALL the locations where Drake will be
"passing through".

And it wouldn't hurt to ask to speak to the Flight Crew -
either the Pilot or Co-Pilot - as you board...
Make SURE they KNOW that Drake actually GOT ON the flight;
and you can ask that they VERIFY he is put in the CORRECT
environmentally "safe" compartment.
And in case they might not let you *speak* to the Flight Crew -
have a "note" prepared that you can ask the Cabin Attendants to
give to the Flight Crew before take-off.

Have a Phunn Trip!

[lbaker]

Hey Phred, with Souraya's looks I can't imagine a flight crew rep, pilot, co-pilot or all of the above NOT wanting to "chat" with her

[Logan]

Souraya, I'm glad you're busy and I'm especially glad that the boy gets to go with you to Lebanon. I hope you will have a wonderful visit with your family.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Phred, I am very thorough when it comes to Drake's travel. His crate has addresses and contact info (both from the origin and the destination). I keep at least 5 copies of all the paperwork they need and other paperwork they may not need. I always verify that Drake is on board before I get on. I usually double check. I even paid a higher rate to get a direct flight with no connections so that losing him in route is not possible. The airlines assured me that the cargo will be the right temperature as recommnded by the veterinarian.

My father has good connections at the airport. He has arranged to have someone escort me of the plane, get me through customs with no hassle, collect Drake and waltz out of the airport. Nice, huh! Not that I would have a problem doing it on my own, but it is nice to get the VIP treatment everynow and then So God willing, it will be a smooth trip for us both. Plus, Drake will be sedated, so he won't even get bored on the flight!

Laurie, the reason Drake is getting shaved again is because his fur is reallygrowing back fast. The temperature in Lebanon is very hot. I was planning on shaving him again in June, but I will just do it 2 weeks sooner.

Logan, do you think I would go without him? No way! If Drake can't go, then I won't go! It's a package deal!

My parents are very excited about our arrival. My dad and Drake hit it off so well last November that my dad is looking forward to having him around. And my mom, well she is one of Drake's biggest fans! They are planning trips to a private beach so that Drake can come since he is not allowed at the resort we frequent. We will also be going to the mountains and doing alot of hiking and going on picnics. My mother even traded in her sporty Miata for an SUV so that Drake can have a comfy ride!