Sally Can Fly!

Sally.

See Sally.

See Sally fly.

Fly, Sally, fly.

Some dogs walk. Most run and crawl. They know sit, stay, down, leave it and be quiet.

But did you know some dogs can fly?

Sally loves to discover things and meet people. So when she had the chance to go to California to meet Drew, Kelsey, Nugget and Brody, she jumped at the chance to.

Or should we say “took a flyer?”

With reservations in hand, we got advice from a good friend on the right carrier the girl should be transported in. And the veterinarian told us lots of important things and gave us the right paperwork. And thanks to some understanding personnel at American Airlines, we were able to make our way to and return from Santa Rosa, California.  and during the Christmas rush.

An early morning Uber ride started our journey.

Most of the time, when we weren’t on a plane, Sally could be out and walking on her leash.  Most of the time, before we boarded or between flights, she opted to be on her pink blanket.  This is where she sat expecting treats from me, of course.

The flights between Dallas and Phoenix (where we changed planes) were much more comfortable.  Larger planes with more junior flight attendants.  They were more forgiving of me reaching into the carrier to comfort Sal.

Not so the flights between Phoenix and Santa Rosa. Smaller planes and tougher, older flight attendants.  But Sal endured. She got good at turning around in her carrier and settling down,  Two hours is about her limit.

Once on the ground we found our way to a potty station.  And she got good at riding in Uber Pet.

Things to consider:

  • Pre-flight visit to the vet to get her health and vaccination certificates and any relaxing drugs)
  • An appropriately sized carrier that your pooch has gotten acclimated to.
  • Pay any fees to the airline (for now AA charges me $125 each way)
  • Treats and water and a leash.
  • Keep your pet out of the carrier as much as possible.  They only need to be in it for the flight.
  • Put the carrier only through x-ray–REMOVE THE PET!
  • Consider ordering Uber Pet.  Bigger cars and pet-friendly drivers. And only a few bucks (like $5) difference.

I’ll have to say the experience was more pleasant than I expected.  And Sal is now a veteran air traveler.

See Sally fly.

Relentless

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