I aenten't dead

[commodorified]

Though I do presently have the flu. Which probably means a few posts in the next couple of days.

At the moment I'm researching the best way to get the dog (Oh, heck, um, hi, everyone, we got a dog! This is Bogart!)




Anyway, that's where I've been. Glued to a dog who's had a stressful start in life and is still half-convinced he's going to be taken away from us and moved to another shelter cage at any moment. It's a lot.

So. Researching ways to get Bogart out west with me when I next go to see Mom. If that seems the best option — like a lot of rescues he's anxious, and he bonded to me first, so the question is is he best without me but with the family or with me for the long visit but crated for the trip.

Most dog-owners I've asked about flying with dogs too big for the cabin have said, basically, "well, if it's your ONLY choice ..." and that has been consistent across many people who don't know each other, so.

Via Rail allows dogs on the Canadian, under certain conditions.

A test-run seems indicated once he's doing better with the crate thing.

Do I have any friends in Toronto or Montreal who would enjoy having me and a 40lb dog to visit for probably two nights? He is good with kids and adults and possibly TOO fond of cats — he tries to bring them his toys.

He is *great* with other dogs and that's not me being fond - he continually surprises me by his diplomacy and capacity to get shy or tiny dogs to play with him. He was in the system for a year before he got to us (and a stray dumped in the Everglades before that) and so finds the human environment puzzling quite often - stairs and leashes took a fair bit of explaining - but it turns out he has vast experience in group dog situations and is a joy to walk off-leash.

He's not as good about distinguishing toys from not-toys, but I stay on top of him fairly well and would likely keep him out for most of the days anyway.

Comments

[mme_hardy]

Hi Bogart! Welcome to love. And nice to hear from you, too, er .. whatshername ... *g*

[tree_and_leaf]

What a good dog!

[legionseagle]

What a lovely dog. Sorry I can't help with the practical side (though given he's an elder statesdog I imagine anyone who has a number of dogs would be delighted to see him.)

[ceb]

Dog! *dogful glee*

[jesuswasbatman]

I'm surprised that Canadian rail requires dogs to be crated. British trains have no rules and most European ones require muzzling at most.

[welcomingsong]

Hello Bogie! Such an adorable dog! I don't think Mimi would deal too well with him visiting, though. Or Min, for that matter, given that Mimi somehow intimidates Min.

Sorry to hear you're feeling crappy and won't be making it out to my place tomorrow. I hope you'll feel better soon, and that your monkey is confused about maybe carrying your germs.

Take care, you!

[starcat]

My 50-ish lb dog has flown both domestic and international. I taught her about crates when she was 8wk old but I think if you are crate training him now, he will find comfort in his crate.

Westjet is AWESOME with pets!!!! Can't say enough good things. I've flown with a cat in cabin and dog in luggage. They have a very good system and are very reassuring they will take good care.

You are welcome to come visit me!! Waterloo has an airport. And a train station!

[starcat]

Also, BC isn't that far. Greece was 9 hours just on the plane, plus three hours check in before the flight.

I would fly rather than train, seeing as he has to be kenneled in the train.

[dewline]

Congratulations to you and Bogart on the strength of finding each other!

Congrats!

[jesse_the_k]

A+++ dog. Our (newish) girl had a similarly checkered history, and the more she settles in the happier we are. I love upside down dogs like that -- makes it easier to snuggle their warm bellies.

[agoodwinsmith]

I am sorry you are ill, but you can post dog photos (and cat photos, and dog + cat photos) as often as you like. :)

No help in your conundrum, though. We have a cat who hates the box, but also hates to be away from us so puts up with the box. I don't know how he would fare in the cargo hold of anything, but I don't think well. Some of the stories about dogs not being cared for well on flights lately (last 2 or 3 years) would give me pause, also.

I know: stay home and post pictures of dog, instead.

[ironphoenix]

Glad to hear you not ded! Also, I hope things continue well with Bogart!

Glad to hear it

[james_g4clf]

So pleased - if you do get to England you're both expected in Calshot.

BTW have you heard about Megaera?

[black_hound]

As someone who has flown with multiple dogs many times it can be stressful if they are not very comfortable being crated as part of their regular life. My two were good with crates and didn't have separation anxiety but I still dispensed a low dose of tranquilizer to help them along.

Also helpful was that they had each other for company and reassurance.

It also takes constant vigilance on the part of the human to make sure that they are being handled appropriately by the baggage handlers and real important -- they get loaded into the proper compartment.

Things may have changed BUT when I was flying with dogs, the animals had to be loaded into the baggage compartment under the first class cabin because that baggage compartment was environmentally connected to the passenger compartment so any live animals would get proper pressurization, air circulation and heating/cooling. The baggage compartment under coach was just for baggage & had zero environmental controls.

Since Bogart is still adjusting to his new wonderful! life putting an anxious dog on a plane is probably not a first choice. Just my 2 cents.

[ephemera]

Hi Bogart! such a cutie!