Leaving Pet's behind!

pam.learnihan · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 10:03 pm Post subject: Leaving Pet's behind!

Hi Pam here;

We have decided to leave our 3 cat's here in UK it was hard to make that decision Sad

but two of them are fairly old and it just would be unkind to put them through the long flight let alone all the tests and injections they need whichI am sure applies to dog's too.I sent off for the guide line's for importing pet's to NZ there is alot in it , we also had to think about the cost's to.I am dredding it when the day comes when we do give them up but I know they will have happy new homes!!
Good luck to those of you who are taking your pets.

Moorf · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 10:36 pm Post subject:

Pam, I know how you feel... we had to part with our cat, Grumps - he's my baby. We have given him to friends who have a wonderful garden and surroundings and although I was very upset to leave him the fact that I know he'll be happy and well looked after was the most important thing in the end.....

I just didn't fancy putting him through the trip to NZ.

I think you've done the best thing

michelle · Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 11:50 pm Post subject:

I feel for you, I am leaving my baby boy behind, Mr G has been part of our lives for 14 years but its just too much to put him through. Last time we went to NZ we left him with friends for 18 months and he was fine as long as they have food, warmth and comfort thats all that matters to them.

I work for an airline and see and often hear pets when they are being transported. Didn't realise that a dog can bark continuously for 8 hours ! Most are great but some really don't like it although they appear to be very well looked after .

I think you have made the right decision

Michelle

Raeven · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 12:11 am Post subject:

Hi, Pam,

You have my sympathy and empathy as well. I struggled and cried for months over the decision of whether or not to take my loyal, sweet old German shepherd dog, Pogo. He's now 13 1/2, has hip dyslplasia that's progressive and hard to watch. On top of this, he's getting a little less patient and a little more snappy in his old age. Our vet gave us an honest evaluation and said he didn't think the dog would tolerate the move very well. We have decided to leave him behind with a friend. It's painful, but at least we leave knowing he is in wonderful hands and will be spared the fear, frustration and uncertainty involved in the moving process.

Everyone's situation is different, and only you know what's best for your own pets in this enormous undertaking.

All the best, Rae

Nicola McAndrew · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 12:18 am Post subject:

Hi

We have just come to the same decision to leave our three cats behind when we go. Main reason is I can leave them here in nice homes were they will be save and well cared for. I have an irrational fear of them being lost and dumped at some airport.

It is comforting to know that I am not the only one to make the same decision, althought the kids think that I am the wicked witch of the north for leaving their pets behind. I have had to promise new kittens when we get there. Children are so easily bribed.

regards Nicola

Moorf · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 12:24 am Post subject:

It's amazing how quickly Grumps settled into his new home too - he's loving it there - we visit often but his new mum and dad are his main focus now .... cos they fill the food bowls!

Definitely worth settling them into their new homes a while before you leave so you can see just how happy they are, it will make you feel alot better too...

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Jules · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 6:46 am Post subject:

Hi all

I am in the same boat Sad

, we have 2 cats BJ and George that we are leaving behind. BJ is 14 and George (we adopted from the previous owners of our house) who I think is around 5/6. Hopefully we will find new homes for them

.

George is a big soft ginger tom and follows me round the house like a lamb and sits on my lap whenever he can, he sleeps on my pillow at night aswell crybaby

I am starting to get all sad now!!!

I think my partners sister might have BJ, they have a nice big house and gardens fingers crossed

, I dont know about George though, I might have to take him to a local cats home and make sure they keep in touch if someone has him.

Jules

Moorf · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 7:05 am Post subject:

Spooky, Grumps is also a huge ginger tom c. 6/7 yrs and is just like Bagpuss lol he's just like a dog too (and about the size of one!!).. Wish we could put up pics on here! Everyone who meets him wants to take him home Yes

....

Aww I'm going all soppy now ! Rolling Eyes

Dave & Sandra · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 7:28 am Post subject:

I hope my Moxie will be OK - he's only 2 though so maybe it won't be too much of a strain for him. I couldn't bear to leave him behind. All of you leaving your pets must find it a bit of a wrench. I keep thinking about the huge garden he'll have to explore and the trees he'll be able to climb and there's already a cat-flap in the new house.

He's flying out on 19th September with ANZ arriving 21st at Palmerston. Just got the letter today from Golden Arrow. He's got is own Air Waybill number as well. He'll be there before me, but hopefully only 2 days before me. fingers crossed

Dave's started calling him Biggles the flying cat now. He's ginger on top, but mainly white.

veronica · Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2004 8:26 am Post subject:

we are having to leave our cat behind but we are taking the dogs. Main reason being that we are moving to a house on a main road. the cat is a country cat and couldn't be kept indoors but the dogs are used to being garden bound so its not a problem for them.

pam.learnihan · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 2:27 am Post subject:

Hi everyone;

It's good to know we are not the only one's who have made a very difficult decision.

Pam

Kim39 · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 5:08 am Post subject:

Oh dear, it seems not many of us taking our extended families out to NZ with us Uhoh

Seems i`m in the minority with this. Eek

We have decided to take our 2 muts with us,but leave our 2 girls behind, we have found its cheaper in the long run!!!!!!!! Laughing

No seriously we couldn`t leave the dogs. Kelly who is 14 has been with us since she was 4 weeks and Tess who is 10 has been with since she was 8 weeks. Had them both to the vets had full MOT and we were surprised to be told Kelly may be 14 but all she has is slight arthiritis and should see another 5 years Eek

something i didn`t really want to hear, as this means we have to shell out £650 on injections for both dogs Eek

:

So dogs are with us throughout this
Kim

NZCalling · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 5:15 am Post subject:

Hi Kim39,

Wish you, your family (including mutts) all the best. I hope everything goes smooth. Nice One

Nicola McAndrew · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 5:55 am Post subject:

Seems to be a recurring theme here of big Ginger Toms. My oldest cat that I am leaving behind, Big Snowie, is ginger and white. He has loads of space to roam in here and loads of trees to climb. Various members of our family have offered him a home, so I am sure he will be much happier left in the environment he knows.

It is still a difficult decision.

Moorf · Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2004 9:34 am Post subject:

Yes, was very very very difficult to decide - our cats were our children and Grumps was the last remaining one Sad

I think it would definitely be harder to leave dogs behind .....