Ollie and Andrew move to Scotland
Donation protected
I am a Presbyterian pastor, and I moving from Chicago to Scotland this spring, to work in a Church of Scotland parish. Ollie and Andrew are my family, so of course I want them to come with me! I could never stomach taking them to a shelter, re-homing them isn't an option (due to age and some medical issues), and even giving them to a family member would entail a cross-country trip, without the comfort of being together at the end of it. So...I need to bring them.
In order to fly into the UK, they have to be shipped as cargo, which is a very expensive proposition. (All live animals arriving in the UK have to be air cargo, no in-cabin or checked-luggage options are allowed.)
With cargo fees, import/export, vet certificate endorsement from the USDA, customs, care before the flight and during the layover, etc, it will cost $2500 per cat.
I am a pastor who will also have a short sale on my little house, losing about 1/3 of its original price, so that is a really sizable chunk of debt I'm not sure how to get out of.
Ollie is turning 14 this spring--she is nine pounds of friendly affection! She will squeeze herself into any box or small space she can find, when she isn't jockeying for space in my arms. I've had her for most of her life, and she's been giving me "eskimo kisses" every day for all these years! She loves to sleep on my pillow, or under the covers snuggled up like a teddy bear.
Andrew is a twenty pound Nebelung, and is turning 11 this spring. He was born in a shelter and I brought him home soon after--his whole life has been lived in this house! As soon as I sit down, he comes to sit on my feet or my lap. He follows me around the house, sleeps next to me in the bed, and talks constantly. He wants to be where I am...and he doesn't like when other people visit and compete for my attention. :-)
Both have had some challenges, health-wise, including dental issues, Ollie has a blood clotting disorder, and Andrew has anxiety about anything out of the routine (including but not limited to strangers, different food, loud noises, and car travel). We have settled in to a healthy happy place, and I know we can continue that in our new home! I even already got a veterinarian recommendation in my new neighborhood.
Ollie and Andrew already have plenty of experience hanging out in boxes and suitcases, as you can see, and they've been studying up for the move (at least, that's what I tell myself when they sit on my books and sermon notes!). Now I just have to get them there safely, so we can keep my happy little family purring away.
I can't imagine a home without them and their silky fur floating around the house, their voices chattering to me when they think they deserve treats, and the comfort of petting them with one hand and turning the pages of a book with another.
I have to pay a 50% deposit by the beginning of March, and then the rest at the beginning of May, so I'm hoping to avoid putting it on my credit card.
I'm beyond grateful for any help you can give me in ensuring my fur-babies are able to come on our new adventure!
In order to fly into the UK, they have to be shipped as cargo, which is a very expensive proposition. (All live animals arriving in the UK have to be air cargo, no in-cabin or checked-luggage options are allowed.)
With cargo fees, import/export, vet certificate endorsement from the USDA, customs, care before the flight and during the layover, etc, it will cost $2500 per cat.
I am a pastor who will also have a short sale on my little house, losing about 1/3 of its original price, so that is a really sizable chunk of debt I'm not sure how to get out of.
Ollie is turning 14 this spring--she is nine pounds of friendly affection! She will squeeze herself into any box or small space she can find, when she isn't jockeying for space in my arms. I've had her for most of her life, and she's been giving me "eskimo kisses" every day for all these years! She loves to sleep on my pillow, or under the covers snuggled up like a teddy bear.
Andrew is a twenty pound Nebelung, and is turning 11 this spring. He was born in a shelter and I brought him home soon after--his whole life has been lived in this house! As soon as I sit down, he comes to sit on my feet or my lap. He follows me around the house, sleeps next to me in the bed, and talks constantly. He wants to be where I am...and he doesn't like when other people visit and compete for my attention. :-)
Both have had some challenges, health-wise, including dental issues, Ollie has a blood clotting disorder, and Andrew has anxiety about anything out of the routine (including but not limited to strangers, different food, loud noises, and car travel). We have settled in to a healthy happy place, and I know we can continue that in our new home! I even already got a veterinarian recommendation in my new neighborhood.
Ollie and Andrew already have plenty of experience hanging out in boxes and suitcases, as you can see, and they've been studying up for the move (at least, that's what I tell myself when they sit on my books and sermon notes!). Now I just have to get them there safely, so we can keep my happy little family purring away.
I can't imagine a home without them and their silky fur floating around the house, their voices chattering to me when they think they deserve treats, and the comfort of petting them with one hand and turning the pages of a book with another.
I have to pay a 50% deposit by the beginning of March, and then the rest at the beginning of May, so I'm hoping to avoid putting it on my credit card.
I'm beyond grateful for any help you can give me in ensuring my fur-babies are able to come on our new adventure!
Organizer
Teri Peterson
Organizer
Crystal Lake, IL
