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| My New Life in California, USA 12 September 2000 I flew 12,000 miles to get here! |
| MY JOURNEY TO THE WEST TRAVEL LOG |
| Departure from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan This is a 6 hours flight with Northwest Airlines and Mama hand carried me on board putting me underneath the seat in a little bag carrier. I was quiet during the flight but once I landed on Kansai Airport, I started to bark and bark until the whole airport was wondering is there a dog somewhere?? At the immigration check point, Mama was asked for my proper papers like Health Certificates, Rabies Certificates and Import Permit. Everything are in order and I am good to go (but I spoke too soon). Read on......... Mama boarded the next plane from Kansai Airport to Seattle, Washington. Once I'm boarded, I started to bark again and all the passengers on board are getting annoyed at me & Mama. The flight attendant told Mama that there is NO WAY I am going to stay on board for a 9-1/2 hour flight with me barking non-stop. So, Mama & I was "kicked-out" the plane and was told that I have to be checked into the cargo. But...one problem. I don't have a pet taxi carrier. The Customer Service girls in Japan were very helpful. Immediately they were running and calling around the airport looking for a pet taxi and changed Mama's flight schedule (since the plane delayed for half hour to settle on me). Mama then said "Well, no choice but to let the plane take off" and both of us are "stranded" at Kansai airport. There was a heavy storm at the airport on that day I remembered. Mama & I was then "escorted" back to the boarding hall and tried to catch the next flight to Seattle. Unfortunately, all the flights are full! It was like madness, Mama was confused after the flights are in a mess now. While waiting, I was allowed to run around the airport and the Customer Service girls are also playing ball with me. After an hour have past....luck came to us, I got a pet taxi (bought from United Airlines) and we managed to catch the next flight but NOT to Seattle. We were routed to Honolulu, Hawaii first then spent a night in Seattle and catch the first flight to Sacramento (our final destination). Depart from Kansai Airport to Honolulu, Hawaii Once landed in Honolulu Airport, Mama was not allowed to see me at the cargo. She can only check with the Pet Center to ensure that I am alright. I knew that Mama was worried sick about my condition with all the changes of weather and got thrown from one plane to another. Honolulu Airport was hot & humid and we were transit there for 5 hours! Then it was boarding time and Mama was told by the flight attendant that I was on board to Seattle. The flight was 5-1/2 hours. When we arrived Seattle Airport, it was already close to midnight. Seattle International Airport, Washington to Sacramento Airport, California Mama checked with Alaska Airline to make sure that I am safely landed in Seattle Airport. It's a good thing that I am allowed to run around the airport (with a leash of coz). The Alaska Airline Customer Service likes me and was playing with me too. They even gave me some dog food & water but I have no appetite to eat. All I want is just to be close with Mama. So, Mama took me to the waiting lounge and we spent a night there. I was sleeping on Mama's lap with an airline blanket. The next morning (after spending 8 hours) in Seattle Airport, we boarded the first flight to Sacramento at 7.30 am. Mama brought me back to Alaska Airline counter to check me in. It's a good thing the flight is only a little over 1 hour. Once I landed Sacramento Airport, Papa came and pick us up. I was so happy to see Papa and I know that finally my flight was OVER!! Sacramento Airport, California to Marysville, California Once I landed Sacramento Airport, I do not have to go for any quarantines. It's a new law from the USDA for dogs as long as I have the proper documentation. This is a good news to me & Mama. Mama then took me out from the pet taxi right away and hand carried me to the car. The drive is about 1 hour and whoalaaaa......HERE IS MY NEW HOME & NEW LIFE! I was as healthy and active as ever, running around the house even though I did not eat for more than 40 hours (original flying time is only 17 hours). Even tho the journey Mama did a lot of running around the airport going hair-wired (I think she is concern of me more than her own luggage), but to Mama, it's worth every minute of it taking all the trouble bringing me here to the United States. I love you very much Mama....THANK YOU! |
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