Looking for some advice

[phesina]

Emily, how is your sister making the trip from Saskatoon to DC and back?

Here's something she might consider doing if she's driving:

I just did a Mapquest map for driving from Saskatoon to Washington DC and back. The route cuts from Saskatchewan into the US in North Dakota, then southeast into and across Minnesota and Wisconsin to Chicago.. and the reverse on the way back.

Since Iowa is the next state south of Minnesota and west of Illinois, perhaps on return instead of going north to Wisconsin from Chicago she could go west straight across to wherever in Iowa, pick up Coda, then go northwest back across to Saskatchewan.

I did another Mapquest map for the return route from Washington DC through Iowa and then north to MN and on to Saskatoon. Looks like this adds roughly another 140 miles or so to the trip.

Oh, well, it's just a thought..

[emily_the_spoiled]

She is flying (it is about a 3 day drive each way and she only has 1 week off).

But maybe if we can get Coda to an airport in Iowa she can be flown directly into Saskatoon...

[Coda'sMommy]

I so wish that were the case...The only way that those airlines would fly him in (without me being on the plane) is as cargo. In other words, unless I am on the passenger plane he cannot ride on it. I checked into putting him on a cargo flight, to do that, my mother would have to drive him to either Chicago or to Omaha. Both directions are a bit far to drive for her with her recovery. Those Cargo planes do not fly to Saskatoon. In order for him to switch flights, I would have to be at the airport 8 hours from here to switch him (why i have no clue).

[Karen]

Hmm, maybe post in craigslist or something looking for someone flying from Iowa to Saskatoon - I am sure people do it all the time, and see if you an find someone who would be willing to take a little extra "carry-on."

[GILL]

Some times a flight attendant will transport. Go to the nearest airport and talk to them.
This week end we are supposed to do a 7 cat transport from Md. to Mass. I'll be handling the last few legs, Jersey to Mass., about 4 hours each way.
You might want to take a look at the SCAT people or one of the other transport groups.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Does it have to be YOU at the airport to help Coda change flights? If he is flying into Calgary we have PT members living there and I have friends there. If someone else can be at the airport to authorize the switch to a plane for Saskatoon, that might take care of the Canadian end of the transport. Then we just have to figure out something for Iowa.

[Coda'sMommy]

That part I don't know about but I can look into it. I think I really like the idea of checking into flight attendants that might move him for me. As much as I love him, I can't help but fear losing him forever by trying to get him up here. The Operation Roger is a great idea, but there is no guarantee of him arriving safely. And I really hope that he will be allowed to ride in a plane cabin....he has put on alot of weight since I left him with mom. He HAD a healthy diet of steamed veggies, real meat and fruits when he was with me, now it's just straight cat food. He also is not getting his daily tea. I of course checked with the vet to make sure his eating habits were ok, I think they were shocked that he loves fruits (especially bananas), but said it was a very good diet. He is the only cat I have ever allowed to eat from my plate while i'm eating. And he always went for my veggies first. As for my tea, he insisted on drinking from my glass BEFORE I did. How spoiled is that?!?! Thank you all sooo much for your support and suggestions. I am feeling much less stressed about it now that I know there just MIGHT be a way to get him here.