Last minutes decisions and nail-biting worry :(

[EnglishMuffin]

I'm going to wait up tonight until the UK offices open again, and call to ask if they can send a copy of the CITES documents directly to the receiving office in the UK, so they at least have it when I arrive

 

[Terry57]

That's a great idea! Would definitely take away the worry about it getting to you here in Canada before Sat.

 

[EnglishMuffin]

I just spoke to my shipper here in Canada, and he assures me that the CITES import permit doesn't need to travel with her and it should be fine for it to be waiting for me at the airport. Could faint with relief! So hopefully this will all be sorted by tomorrow.

My girl had her H5N1 exam at our house today. It involved a swab inside the vent (aww ). She's so good with the vet. She just closes her eyes and plays dead. She doesn't ever bite or struggle. The only indication she's still alive is her little feet clutching themselves for dear life. Then when it was over she flew over into the Dr.s shoulder and gave her neck a little cuddle. She's so forgiving <3

 

[Kiwibird]

I just spoke to my shipper here in Canada, and he assures me that the CITES import permit doesn't need to travel with her and it should be fine for it to be waiting for me at the airport. Could faint with relief! So hopefully this will all be sorted by tomorrow.

My girl had her H5N1 exam at our house today. It involved a swab inside the vent (aww ). She's so good with the vet. She just closes her eyes and plays dead. She doesn't ever bite or struggle. The only indication she's still alive is her little feet clutching themselves for dear life. Then when it was over she flew over into the Dr.s shoulder and gave her neck a little cuddle. She's so forgiving <3

Oh I am so glad she's going to be able to go with you! What a journey for such a little girl though... I bet she'll be just as relieved as you when you're reunited with each other at the airport!

 

[getwozzy]

WOW!!! What a nerve wracking ordeal!!! I'm so glad you got your CITES papers in time!!!

And what a good girl she was for the doctor!

I'm praying everything goes smoothly between now and when you land across the pond....please update us when you get there [emoji173]️

 

[EnglishMuffin]

A quick update: I've now called EVERYONE involved, and thank god all the paperwork is now winging its way to the right authorities in the UK and should be ready when I arrive. So, so relieved. I just can't wait until I've got her there in my house in her new cage and I can stop fretting over this!

Thanks so much to everyone for all your kind words and positive vibes you're all welcome round for a beer if you're ever round Liverpool way

 

[SilverSage]

I am so happy to hear this! I can't wait to hear she has made it safe and sound and loves her new home

 

[JellyBean]

Looking forward to hearing when she is safe and sound at this side of the pond!!! Good luck, safe travels and keep us posted!!!

 

[EnglishMuffin]

Well she is all checked in and now I'm just waiting for my flight. She was pretty chirpy and happy enough on her adventure to the airport although I'm sure by now she'll be starting to stress will update you all in 24 hours hopefully with good news from home

 

[getwozzy]

I hope you both have a safe flight!!

 

[EnglishMuffin]

We are home!!

The flight was smooth and I slept most of the way. During my waking time I agonized over every little dip and bump, worrying that Sootica would get thrown off her perch or get stressed. She was away from me for a very long time- from 11am until 3am Vancouver time.

Well when I finally picked her up from customs, they brought her to the holding area before her papers were cleared. She was on the other side of a glass divider, so I couldn't actually get to her, but there was a gap at the bottom big enough to fit my arm under so I could scratch her through the bars. This is because by the time I got there I had to wait another 2.5 hours for her customs paperwork to clear.

When she heard my voice she did a big shriek and started calling our contact call before she could even see me. Then when I saw inside her carrier I realised I needn't have worried at all- the huge poop on the bottom told me she probably had slept soundly most of the flight! And she had munched away at all the food and grapes I had left for her. She'd even had time to destroy the wicker rings toy I had hung for her. So she seemed to have not worried! Indeed, when I got her once she'd received some scritches and given me the obligatory 'don't do that again' bite, she went right on nibbling and preening and not worrying at all. Cool as a cucumber!

Here she is in her new home checking out the view from her new cage (which is huge!)

She's a little nervous right now, because of the new environment which is much bigger than she's used to in my old apartment, and because of my parents' dog which she's not at all happy about although he is unbothered by her, but she'll settle in in a few days time

Happy endings all round!

 

[Blancaej]

So glad to see everything worked out!! Yay!

 

[Terry57]

I am so thrilled for you both, and so glad that Sootie seemed to enjoy her flight
YAY! This is such great news

 

[Taw5106]

I am so, so, so happy things worked out and you both made it safely. I would check your story and then other days wouldn't because I was worrying about you both. Congratulations! I hope you both are settling in well, it looks like you are. I'm sure you both will be resting a little extra over the next few days. Great job Parrot Mom! &#55357;&#56832;

 

[SilverSage]

I am beyond thrilled to hear about your safe arrival

 

[Kiwibird]

So happy you got to take her with and that you both arrived safely!

 

[getwozzy]

YAYYYYY!!!!!!

I'm SO SO happy your flight went well and Sootica did very well despite the long adventure

She's such a beautiful little girl, and I'm so happy she got to go home with you! I'm sure she'll settle in no time

Cheers to new beginnings for the both of you! [emoji173]️

 

[JellyBean]

HAPPY DAYS !! Well done in your perseverance to get your baby home!

 

[EnglishMuffin]

Thanks everyone! I slept for 16 hours yesterday, haha. I guess the combination of jet lag and the relief of the stress flattened me out.

I'm not sure exactly how she feels about her new digs. I think she's freaked out by the size of it but she is enjoying having space to fly around and really use her new flight feathers! She hasn't really explored her new cage much, and she seems happier out on her boing- I guess because it's familiar. She also loves the dog and keeps running up to preen him. He's doing his best to ignore her but he's half terrier and his prey instincts really kick in if she runs too fast or flies. As long as we're all sitting together on the couch it's fine but if I'm pottering round cleaning or doing whatever she has to be locked in her cage just in case.

 

[Timothy]

I'm glad everything worked out for both of you.
Congratulations and rest up!!