(Little) New Hope

Lately, I've been feeling pretty emotional. Maybe it's because my birthday was Saturday (more on my Bday and all the food next post!), and I feel as though I've reached a point of no return. Adulthood has sunk in, and there is no turning back. It feels a little like drowning or falling down a black tunnel. And I don't want to fall, powerless. I want to thrive.

My job search drags on, and I have felt lost, with little hope on the horizon. Then, Sunday, Mr. Radar found a half-dead kitten. And suddenly, I'm filled with a little extra hope. It's funny how something so small, a former street urchin, can restore some of my faith in life.

She was really sick. She had nasty burrs all over her body, and was covered from head to toe in muck and grime. She weighs just over a pound at 8 weeks-severely malnourished. But, she rises from the ashes.

Mr. Radar calls her New Hope.

We took her to the vet yesterday, and she has nearly every illness a little kitten could have (except Feline Lukemia, thank god!).
But look at her. If she can fight back, so can I.
And I'm going to keep her. Yes, I already have quite the menagerie. But I don't care. She gives me hope.

Besides, she looks a bit like fluffy chocolate. And who wouldn't want a chocolate covered kitten?

The Big Purge

Things are at a stand still for right now. I've packed all of the boxes I can- but I continue to parse down unnecessary stuff. I've given away appliances, furniture (two huge 7 foot tall wardrobes!!), clothes, bags, and a childhood toys. Nothing pained me more than seeing our cats go to a new home.
Scout and Louise, our two lovebirds, have gone to live with Mr. Radar's parents for the next three years. We've visited them quite a few times since dropping them off in suburbia, and frankly, they don't seem to miss us at all!


Scout pictured above. Louise is elusive, and frankly a bit scared of the camera. There are no known photographs of the two of them together- so just revel in the cuteness that is scout. Photo creds to Mary in STL.

Long day of Immigration details

There are so many intricacies to immigrating to a new country- even if it is temporary. Our visa process is progressing, though there are many more steps to complete.

Poor Buddy's European Union passport, otherwise known as the Pet Travel Scheme, is not going so well. Our vet has never processed an international pet passport and basically refused to help us. After 3 hours on the phone with USDA, I found the APHIS veterinarian in Ohio. I spent nearly an hour on hold just to talk to a representative for Ohio APHIS. After all that, she did not tell me anything that I didn't already know.

In short, Buddy will be very confused, but unharmed. We are assured that the microchipping and blood tests are harmless, and are considered routine veterinary processes. Buddy will stay with his grandparents for three months, but remain with us in England for the other 2 years and 6 months.



For anyone else going through this, your cat, dog or ferret needs:

A special ISO compliant microchip
A new Rabies shot, done after he/she is microchipped
THEN a TITER Rabies test. The test can only be processed at the Kansas State Rabies Laboratory.

IF there is enough antibodies in the pets system, she begins her six month wait to enter the UK. Pets could go to the UK after the above steps are completed, BUT they will sit in quarantine for up to 180 months.

Also:
Need a letter from the veterinarian
Need to take a special form (EU 998) to the USDA APHIS facility. The nearest one to Dayton is in Pickerington, OH near Columbus. Hopefully, they certify our paperwork.

Lastly, the pet needs to be treated for fleas and ticks 24-48 hours prior to departure.

THEN the pet has to go to a certified airport, using a certified route (non-stop to London via Gatwick or Heathrow only).

It's all worth it to have Buddy with us. He'll get to spend time with the British mutts, play in British fields, and maybe even chase a pheasant or two.