I need your prayers....

[Maya]

..I find myself in terribly frightening situation, but unfortunately I have no other alternative. I am living in Italy at the moment, but I have to relocate to San Diego, California on the 4th of October to be with my husband.
I am scared to death at the prospect of bringing Maya with me. I WILL NOT be trying to re-home her for obvious reasons. The first being that I love her dearly and she is very attached to me.We have been together for 12 years now. I could not live with the guilt of abandonment...knowing she is there waiting for me to come back. The second, she has cushings which is now under control, but as you all know is a very expensive illness to manage. (no-one would want to take her)
I have done extensive research on air travel with dogs and know just about everything there is to know.
I have spoken to the vet and she said that yes, it's a long flight, but she didn't seem too worried about Maya's health. Basically she doesn't seem to think that Maya will take ill or anything. It will probably just be a tad stressful. Unfortunately, with Maya weighing 44 pounds she has to travel in the belly of the plane.:eek::( I am absolutely terrified to say the least.
I bought the pet carrier 2 months ago to get her used to it and she doesn't like it in particular, but she eats every meal in it and she will go in from time to time. I have been shutting her in there for half an hour daily, so she knows what to expect. I have all the documents ready and I know exactly what to do. It's just that my heart aches when I think of her having to go through this once in a life time journey. You have no way of knowing what will happen in life. Things suddenly change with hardly any warning at all! This is one of those situations, so please don't judge me.
I should have left for the states in June, but it was too hot for Maya to travel, so I payed another 3 months rent up front and sat the whole summer out here alone. I am now jobless and need to hand over the keys to my apartment at the end of the month, so there is no question! We have to do it!
I realize that it is too much for Maya to go the whole journey through to San Diego, so we are going to take a rest in Newyork. My husband is coming from San Diego to meet us there and we will spend the night in a hotel and then fly on to San Diego as a family the following evening. It is costing us a fortune but I want it to be as easy as possible on my little dog. Although I do have a feeling that all will go well...I am asking you to pray for us. Ask God to keep my sweet little Maya safe.....
Many thanks
Leah and Maya

[labblab]

Dear Leah,

Absolutely, I will be keeping precious Maya in my prayers during your travels. I surely understand your worry about this, but I also understand why you have made this decision. If it is any comfort to you, my first dog (who was my Cushpup and is my avatar photo :o) travelled by plane to come to live with my husband and me when he was just a puppy. He flew from California to our home here in Atlanta. At the time, we didn't know enough to have the concerns that you are now aware of. And so, in retrospect, if we had had other options we would have tried to make other arrangements. But you do not have any other options, and so I do understand why the trade-off of the hours in flight will be worth it in exchange for Maya to be able to remain in loving safety with you from that point onward.

And for us, the good part of our story is that our puppy tolerated the 5-hour flight with no problems at all. He was sitting in his travel kennel, bright-eyed and waggy-tailed as soon as we were able to rush to claim him. So I will cross every crossable part of my body and say some special prayers to make sure that the same thing is true for Maya. Please do keep us updated!!!!!!

Sending many hugs,
Marianne

[addy]

Dear Leah,

I totally understand your fear and will say prayers every day until you come here and tell us you are in San Diego safe and sound. with Maya.

I wonder if you should have any prednisone on hand, just in case. Better safe than sorry if the stress become too much for her. Could you ask your vet her thoughts on that?

Perhaps others here will chime in about tips for flying long distances with their Cush pups. I am glad Maya will get a break in New York.

Love,
Addy

[Squirt's Mom]

Hi Leah,

Our prayers travel with you and Maya as you return home to your hubby.

That is so very sweet that he is coming to meet ya'll in NY! I know Maya will be doubly happy for the break, as will you.

Hugs,
Leslie

[deena]

Hi Leah,
My thoughts are with you in your time of need .... it will be a stressful trip for you both....you must be strong and know that Maya will be strong as well....many prayers to you both...

Hugs,
Deena

[Roxee's Dad]

Will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

In my traveling experience.... I found that it is best to remind the pilot that there is a live dog in cargo. He or she will monitor temps and pressure. If I remember correctly Italy to New York is approx 6 hours depending on jet stream. Has your vet recommended anything to relax Maya during the trip? Maybe some Melatonin?

Keep your original papers close to your heart like your passport, and a 2nd copy in one piece of luggage and a 3rd copy in your carry on. Never know when your luggage may be lost for a day or two.

I have also purchased a dog water bowl that hooks onto the cage door.. filled it about 1/2 way and freeze it the night before... try to keep it frozen so it thaws a bit when in flight.. don't fill it too high as there may be spillage.

Finally put an article of clothing that you have worn in the crate with Maya, you scent may help to calm her.

[Maya]

How sweet you all are...thankyou so much! You really are a blessing to all of us who come here looking for help and comfort. May God bless you all and your little furry babies!:)

[Sophie]

Leah and Maya,
Sending good vibes your way! Keep us posted on your journey.
Sophie :)

[Maya]

Hello my friends! Reporting back after a short absence due to a VERY busy period! Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes. Maya got here to San Diego safe and sound and has settled well into her new life. She was not traumatized in the slightest! O.k...I don't think the journey was a walk in the park for her, especially the first half which was the longest (10 hours) but the little darling coped wonderfully:) Thank the Lord!!!!!!!1:D

[lulusmom]

Yay Maya! Welcome home.

[Bichonluver3]

Welcome to California!! We are in Rancho Mirage, near Palm Springs. If you need anything, just send me a private message and I will send you my email & phone number.

[Cyn719]

Glad you all got there safely and so happy Maya did so well on the long flight!!! Thats cause you are such a wonderful mom!!!:) xo

[mytil]

That is so incredibly good to hear.
Terry