Ms. Pink Goes to Washington

May 27, 2009 -

Wow, it seems completely weird to me that today is Friday. This has been a really long week. It all started with me delivering a puppy to my brother (yes, the cute little redhead, above). I checked into all the details of which airline I could use to take her up to him, and carted her fabulous little self off.

It was easy to find a solution. I already knew it was too hot here to contemplate sending her as animal cargo - don't like doing that with a little puppy, anyway -  and I quickly found an airline to use. I was a little miffed that the airline charges $100 to carry on a pet. I understand having a fee, I really do, but honestly how they justify $100 when the pet sits in its container under the seat the whole time is beyond me. *sigh*

Speaking of staying under the seat the whole time, poor little Rozsi (that's her name now that she has her family) was just barely within in the comfort range in her carrier. Most airlines give very specific dimensions for the carry-on and size of pet (for example, one airline gives a max size of 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high for the carry-on). She fit the bill in that she could stand and turn around within the confines of her container, but it sure didn't look enjoyable.

I carried her through security, making friends along the way, and I was feeling pretty happy and excited. I even sat at the gate with her on my lap, though I did get a little over visited by three young girls, spilled a coke and realized I'll never have a career in juggling. But hey, she is a little puppy after all. I finally stuffed her in the bag when we started to board and, though she had been in it a few times over the past few days, she started to whine a little.

When I checked into the airline's guidelines for having a pet on board, I saw that you had to make reservations by phone in advance. My boarding pass even printed out with the message "dog cargo" and something that clearly was code to make sure to charge me the extra $100 fee. So it didn't occur to me I'd be seated directly behind first class, where there is no seat in front of you to store my carry-on.

I had to grab the flight attendant and tell her my situation. It was a full flight, and let me just tell you that getting that little problem resolved was awkward. With a bit more persistent whining, and standing in the middle of the walkway waiting for someone to trade seats, I felt a bit like I had a big sign on my head that said "dunce."    

We finally were seated, snug and comfortable in the very back. Exactly where I didn't want to be when we landed, knowing I'd have a little one sick and tired of being confined. But I have to say the flight went fairly smoothly. She fell asleep and slept for the majority of the flight, though I first had to lean over (for some time) and keep my hand tucked inside for her to rest her head and uncertainties on.

Honestly, it was all worth it when we landed. My brother was instantly in love, and so was she. We have some information on pets.com about traveling with your pet with suggestions on how to prepare. If you have other ideas, or want to share tips from your experience, chime in on our pet message boards, or let me know about them here. I'd love to hear your ideas - from my perspective, any advice helps!

~ Shana