Shipping a Pet by United Airlines

Since so many readers expressed concern over the possible dangers of shipping an animal by air, I found this about United Airlines and wanted to share it with you:

We prioritize the safety and well-being of cats and dogs through every step of their journey with United PetSafe.

• Operate over 80 custom-designed, climate-controlled vehicles to safely transport pets in all weather conditions
• Pets are placed onto the aircraft last and removed first to minimize stress
• In the air, pets remain secure and comfortable in climate-controlled, pressurized compartments
• Onsite kennels and offsite facilities accommodate pets during long connection times and before international travel
• Dedicated, specially trained PetSafe Customer Service Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 

I feel pretty good about this and am comfortable with using the service of United.  Of course I would prefer to drive there and pick it up - I'd leave tomorrow if I could, but I can't.   For one thing, I am not supposed to go above 500' in altitude until my eye has healed, which precludes driving as I would have to go over a 7500' peak on the way.   And I have checked breeders closer to Sacramento, but with the fires burning all over the state I would worry about newborn animals  near all that smoke and pollution.   I've felt very good about the breeder in AZ from the moment I read her website and I'm completely happy with my choice.

Rocky?

I did it!   I'm having "Rocky" shipped from AZ in about two weeks.  He is at an adoptable age right now and I decided to go for it, although I asked for a couple of weeks to allow my eye to get better. 

We had a list of names to consider and Jeannie's two girls finally both agreed on Rocky, so Rocky it is.  Jeannie later said that it is appropriate because my first lab was Smoky, as in the Smoky Mountains.  Now I have one named for the next mountain range, Rocky.  I told her I'd have to eventually get "Sierra", but that would have to be a female.  Who knows, next year I might go back for Sierra!

I'm a little scared and very much excited.   Here is a photo of Rocky.

 

 
You can click on this picture to enlarge it a bit.

My mother used to be fond of saying, "There's no fool like an old fool", and she's probably saying it right now from wherever she is, laughing her head off.

Doggie Names

My daughter, granddaughters and I looked over lists of doggie names last night.  I saw the name "Zorro" on one list and got excited about it.  I don't think anyone else but me had ever heard of Zorro - the show started sometime in 1957, when I was about 16 going on 17.

Seeing my enthusiasm Autumn asked me why I liked Zorro and I told her that I always thought he was sooooo cute!  She giggled.  I guess she didn't imagine that grandmas could find a man "cute", but I'll tell you that Zorro was that man!

I can't decide definitely on a name until I see the dog personally and assess its temperament and looks.  But I do really like Zorro - the TV character and the name! 

I'm back at home this afternoon and think I will try to take a nap.  I'm doing a terrible job of keeping my eyes down.

T.G.I.F. everyone!  Enjoy the weekend.

Life goes on

And I'm trying to just deal with it.  I was sitting at the dining room table with my granddaughters and one of them told me, "Keep your eyes down".   Her mom is at work so she's taking up the banner!  I just had to chuckle about it.

We were looking up good names for a male black lab that I'm thinking about getting, which takes my mind off my current limitations.

I don't have much to write about so I'll just wish everyone a good day!

The Day After

I went back for a checkup this morning to make sure my eye surgery was a success.  The doctor was very pleased and says I'm doing well.  My vision is still pretty blurred in the left eye and I've read that it can take some time to heal.  I have not had a bit of pain from the surgery although having to leave the patch on overnight was so irritating - it just made my skin and eye itch under the big patch and tape.  I survived it and I'm sure it will be so much better in the coming weeks. 

 The doctor said I don't have to keep my chin on my chest and can hold it straight, but should keep my eyes cast downward.  It's difficult to remember because it is so natural to just be able to look all around you.   

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes, good vibes, and prayers.  

I need to get a new battery and checkup on my computer real soon, so if I miss a day or two blogging you will know I just don't have my computer.

IT'S OVER!

This will be a short one to say that "It's Over!"   Surgery was easy  and painless and only took about half an hour; getting admitted and hooked up to everything, plus answering a lot of questions took longer than the surgery itself.  Holding my chin to my chest is the most difficult thing and I keep forgetting, but Drill Sgt Jeannie reminds me "HEAD DOWN!.  Thanks for all the good thoughts.

Can't relax today!

I don't seem to be able to relax much today.  I've taken care of most last minute details - walked up to the Park Office to pay my rent for August, and did a load of laundry.

I went with Jeannie to Costco yesterday but didn't buy many items,  but most of them were sweet - ice cream, cookies, biscotti, etc.  That's what I've been craving and I know I shouldn't be eating much of it, but I'm going to baby myself this week.

After Costco we made a trip with the girls to the Mall for school clothes.  They tried on outfits - skirt and shirt - meant as Catholic school uniforms.  They looked pretty cute - nothing that cute was allowed when I was in Catholic school!!  (Note:  they don't attend Catholic school and trying on the uniforms was just for fun.  As a parent I think it is a lot easier to dress a kid in a uniform for school however.)

Later on I stayed with the girls while Jeannie & Donald went out on a "date" - dinner for just the two of them.  I think they need that once in a while, to get away from the crowd and just spend some time together.  After I start feeling better post-surgery, I'm going to suggest that I spend an evening at least once a month so they can go out together.  They both do so very much for me, so it's the least I can do for them.

I didn't intend to write a long blog today - just a few lines or a paragraph - but here I am in my "Gemini mode", and when I get started I find it difficult to stop.

I hope to be back in a couple of days, so until then -