Get Nelly (&Loki) Home

Hi, my name is Adri. About 6 years ago, my 9 year old Border Collie, Nelly, and I moved to the Netherlands to live with my partner. And one year ago, we added Loki to the family, in the hopes that he will be able to be my service dog once he's a bit older.

(Loki! And that tattoo on my chest...is Nelly's actual pawprint)

Unfortunately, the relationship between my partner and I wasn't meant to be, and we are now preparing to go our separate ways. We are still on very good terms, and he is doing everything he can to help us get this all sorted out. If he had the money, he'd gladly pay for this himself. But we have combined finances, and unfortunately we don't have much.

Due to a disability, I can't live alone, and need the support of my family. So, I now need to move back to California.

But my Border Collie is now almost 15 years old, and about 3 years ago she developed epilepsy. A few months ago, the vet also heard a mild heart murmur. Because of this, I will not even consider putting her in the cargo hold of an airplane.

However, we just took her to our vet - she said that for her age, Nelly is in fantastic shape, and she will absolutely clear her to fly in the cabin of an airplane with me.

Nelly now, with her grey eyes.

But not a single commercial airline will allow dogs of her size to fly in-cabin on a transatlantic flight. After talking to many people, and looking at all of our options (including transatlantic ships), it seems there is only one realistic choice: a private flight, where she can be in-cabin.

Thanks to the amazing community on TikTok who shared my videos, a pilot reached out to me. He flies a cargo route from Milan to New Jersey, and will allow Nelly and I to join him. The next possibility is the first week of January. This is not yet 100% confirmed, but it's looking very likely.

If this doesn't pan out for some reason, the only option left is a €10k shared pet-friendly charter flight from Germany to New Jersey.

For many reasons, we believe the most stress-free option for ourselves and our other dog, Loki, is to have him fly separately to California, by cargo.

(Loki when he was a puppy)

I will need help getting to Italy for Nelly's flight. The cost for my (soon to be ex) and I to get to Italy is likely between €250-350

And another €100 for him to fly back home

And around €150 for a hotel by the airport

We will need a sitter for Loki during this time. We don't know yet what that will cost. Perhaps around €100

Myself or someone else will need to make a separate round-trip flight to bring Loki back to CA as well. A round trip flight between SFO-AMS is anywhere from €600 - €1500, depending on the dates. It will be direct flights with KLM - an airline with a fantastic reputation for handling pets.

It will then be up to €400 for Loki to travel on the aircraft, in the hold.

So far, we are looking at a total of approximately €2,600 - but it's likely going to be much more, as it's not including any transport costs that will be needed to get from New Jersey to CA for myself and/or Nelly.

One option I am considering is doing a 1 - 2 week trip back to California around the holidays, and getting my drivers license again. Then from NJ I can do a one-way car rental and drive back with Nelly. This would make life much easier, but also cost thousands...but then again, so will transporting her across the US without me. I'm going with a very, very rough estimate of €3,000 either way.

FULL DISCLOSURE: many of these prices will likely fluctuate. It could easily end up being more (or less, though unlikely) than estimated. If we are so lucky to receive more than we need for the travel expenses, 100% of the money will still go towards the dogs. Nelly alone costs €350 every month, just for her medications. I will have no income when I arrive and get settled in California, and will be dependent on my family's help for quite a while.

Also, Nelly is nearly 3 years past the average age that a typical Border Collie lives. As mentioned, she has epilepsy and a mild heart murmur. It is always possible that something happens in the coming weeks that make her unfit to fly, or worse. It is also possible she doesn’t live long after arriving back in California. It is very important to me that anyone who donates, understands that they are donating to help a VERY old dog (and also Loki!). We don’t know how much time she has left. It could be a while…or not. If anything happens to Nelly before we can fly, 100% of donations will still go towards her care and/or Loki.

She has been my best friend since I was just 15 years old. I've had her for nearly half my life...leaving her behind is not an option.

And finally, THANK YOU. I am so, so grateful for the outpouring of love and support I've received over the last several days. I've cried so many happy, grateful tears. This is a very hard time for us, but the endless support means the world to me.

Nelly and I, when I was just 15 years old.