My mom just passed away. . .

Doxherding Karen · October 01, 2007, 02:29:50 PM

Just got a call from the convalescent home where she was recovering from hip surgery. On the way to her room from PT she had a massive coronary and they couldn't revive her.

I'm going to fly out to Santa Monica Saturday night and be there for a couple of weeks. I want to take two doxies - Guinness and Roscoe. What airline flys pets?

Guinness is 12 and 1/2 - what do you think about him flying/ He'll have to go cargo - he'll never stop yipping in his kennel and the stewardesses will boot us out of the cabin before we ever lift off.

I'm rambling. I'm overwhelmed. I just want to cry. Help

Karen

LUVMYGUNNER · October 01, 2007, 02:39:51 PM

Sorry about your mom.

PattyInAK · October 01, 2007, 03:03:45 PM

Oh Karen, I am so sorry to hear this. What a shock! Was she recovering far from where you lived?
Most airlines fly pets, some will only allow two in the main cabin, so you have to plan ahead. How long is the flight and is it non-stop? You might want to consider boarding your dogs, you will have enough on your plate in Santa Monica. However, the doxies might be a comfort to you. I wish I was closer so I could lend you a hand.

Kari · October 01, 2007, 03:04:17 PM

I'm so sorry Karen! Our thoughts are with you! We have never taken Penny on an airline so I'm not sure what is the best one but I'm sure someone will have a suggestion! Hugs coming your way!

Dee Dee and Hallie · October 01, 2007, 03:21:18 PM

OH no, I am just sick for you. It is such a shock to get a call like that especially when you are not expecting it at all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish you had someone near you trust who could stay with the doxies while you are gone. How long is the flight? I would never fly a dog in cargo unless absolutely necessary, I have heard too many horror stories. But it sounds like there may be no other option for you unless you board them (which I also would never do unless I absolutely had to). I am so sorry, I know you will be worried about the furkids on top of everything you are going to have to deal with in the coming days. Please keep us posted.

Teresa · October 01, 2007, 03:26:56 PM

Karen, I am so sorry to hear this. It is made even sadder that she was recovering from one surgery and I'm guessing getting better, when this happened. I'm glad you had a chance to go out there earlier this summer and spend some time with her.
I have no clue about flying with the dogs. I understand you wanting to take them and hope someone here can help you with that. Maybe you will at least know whether it is what you should try to do or not, especially with Guiness, the yipper.
I'll be thinking about you during this time.

PattyInAK · October 01, 2007, 03:27:13 PM

I took Misty on a flight with me, from Anchorage to Portland, non-stop and only a three hour flight, and she was a great traveller. She was so good in a sherpa bag, she just slept. The guy next to me didn't even know I had a dog until we landed. I travelled with my first weener dog, Christopher, once and put him in cargo. He did fine, he was given a mild sedative before we left, but I will never do that again because I was a nervous wreck. I do have a place to board my dogs when absolutely necessary, a place I trust even more than having someone stay at my house with them, they get spoiled rotten at their boarding place and its like a vacation for them. I hope you can work out the best possible situation for both yourself and your dogs.

Delia and girls · October 01, 2007, 03:34:14 PM

I am so sorry for your loss, Karen! I still have my mom, so I can only imagine what you're going through.

I have flown with Gretchen and Ilsa on American. I think they allow up to 5 in the cabin but I would double check me on that. Unfortunately, they only allow 1 dog per person. I have to agree with DD about flying them with cargo. It's traumatic enough in the cabin. I also know they charge $80 each way per dog in the cabin.

Ron and I have flown with them a couple times. Both times was a 4 hour flight. They did fine and did not require any sedation.

Since none of the options are good...maybe you could find someone you trust to stay with them at your house or board them? Or maybe take one of them with you in the cabin? Gosh, I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

I also know that Southwest does not accept dogs. I think most of the others do.

Merion · October 01, 2007, 04:32:21 PM

Karen,
You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom. It is so hard. Even after 13 years I read book or see something and think "I should tell mom about that". But she isn't here.
We hope things work out with the dogs.
Sending HHHHHH's & PPPPPPPP's to get you through this.
Merion & the ZZ's

cheryl186 · October 01, 2007, 05:21:52 PM

Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. I have never flown with my dogs, so I am of no help there. Sending hugs to you at this difficult time. I will be thinking of you.

David C. · October 01, 2007, 06:51:16 PM

Our deepest sympathies for you, Karen. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Brekkesmom · October 01, 2007, 07:13:58 PM

We are extending our sympathies and condolences to you, as well. I have flown with Heidi-Angel and Brekke in cabin. The last time I flew with Brekke, it was $80 each way, only one pet in the cabin, and I arranged it about 2 1/2 months ahead of time. You have to have a veterinary certificate on each animal within 10 days of the original flight on your ticket. I think you may have scheduling deadlines, as well. Good luck with your travel plans and bookings.

Barb · October 01, 2007, 07:19:39 PM

Karen - I am so sorry for your loss.... cry all you want - it will help. We are here for you. I have not flown with my kids, I know American will take pets, but like other said, only one per person. I don't like the idea of cargo - you might check with your vet and see if a sedative can be prescribed. Have a safe trip and God Bless to your mom.

Mike · October 01, 2007, 08:21:56 PM

My heart goes out to you with this sad news.

MyLittleBoo · October 01, 2007, 08:28:37 PM

Oh, Karen, my heart really goes out to you right now... We just finished my Gramp's funeral arrangements this afternoon, and will have a memorial at the care center where he was living tomorrow and the funeral the day after... I really can't help with the flight info... Hugs to you and the boys.... I will be thinking of you, and I will say a prayer for you and your mother.... Again soo sorry to hear about this... And, I am very sorry that I am just reading this... Rays and prayers heading your way... *hugs*

Suzie · October 01, 2007, 08:52:33 PM

Karen, so sorry you have to go thru this, it just sucks. As my brother-in law said on the loss of his mother after a terrible lengthy illness, "there is never a good time"...Weep as much as you need to, find distractions wherever you can, and if there were good times, think about them a lot. Talk to whoever will listen, then just cry and throw things some more, and hug the puppers.

Airlines are having a difficulty w/ critters these days, security is a god excuse... First, call the pertinent airline and discuss bereavement fares (not online or with a travel agent, must be directly to the airlines). If you take 2 critters, and don't want one to be in cargo, you have to buy a seat for one. (Yikes) Then there is the health certificate thing. If you have a current vet that has seen the puppers regularly, it might be easy. The other possibility, a family member who would be willing to fly to you, then fly on the same plane with one of the puppers , doesn't sound like that's an option. House sitters/pet tenders.....so complicated when all you want to do is shriek. Good luck w/ the details, treat yourself as kindly as you can, this is an abysmal time, only part of your mind is working, and is just too damn hard.

You are in my thoughts.

Sandishooligans · October 01, 2007, 09:27:16 PM

Karen, it was so sad to read about your Mom. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our hearts.

So sorry,
Sandi and Mark

janetleej · October 01, 2007, 09:30:24 PM

I am so sorry for you. I hope you can take the doxies - I know mine have been such a comfort during the horrible times.
Prayers and condolences in this time of grief.

Janet

papbouv · October 01, 2007, 10:00:42 PM

very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing
Papbouv and fur kids

Doxherding Karen · October 01, 2007, 10:47:39 PM

Thanks to one and all for your thoughts and kind words.

Cooler heads have prevailed and Guinness will not be flying. His well-being trumps my emotional needs. Roscoe may stay with Anne, my new tenant. I have known her or several years and feel comfortable with her watching the house and one of the dogs, the one dog who is completely house broken, and comes when you call him!

Merlin, Beau Leaky and Guinness will stay at the vet's while I'm in L.A. I plan on returning 10/25. I booked a round trip ticket on priceline for $286. Not bad!

The memorial service will be next Monday, so I fly out on Sunday. AND the MacBook Pro goes with me!

Again, many thanks. You all are the best!

Karen

Roberta · October 02, 2007, 01:29:41 AM

big hugs, you have really been through the wars lately. Glad to hear you have managed to board the Herd out.
Take care and know we are here if you need us.

Jeri · October 02, 2007, 06:14:31 AM

Karen,

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. We are thinking about you, and we will send you our prayers while you are in Santa Monica.

Valerie · October 02, 2007, 07:26:46 AM

Karen,

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jenny G · October 02, 2007, 07:46:12 AM

So sorry for your loss Karen. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

doxielady5569128 · October 02, 2007, 09:22:59 AM

Karen,
I don't even know what to say. I'm so so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry i missed your post yesterday. I'm glad you found some accommodations for the boys while you are gone.

My mom just passed away. . .

Sandishooligans