Trains, planes & Elbi

So, we have had things turned upside down of late and we are now planning to move back to UK.

Luckily, very luckily for us, we have until Spring 2013. We have plenty of time to prepare and make a list of things to do and see in Jappers (there's sooooo much even after all this time!)

It's a good job we have so long too. We have Elbi. He is such a special dog, to us and to the canine world. So special in fact, that we face a big hurdle. Most other dogs can happily sit in a crate and be shifted as cargo to foreign lands, long haul and otherwise. however, Elbi simply can't.

Elbi is a short nosed dog, (Bracycephalic, for those care to remember such a word). He finds it difficult to breath at times. he can't stand the heat, he can't stand being alone for too long (this has nothing to do with his nose, mind!) and he could get stressed easily. Basically, all of these things mean that he cannot be sent as cargo on a plane, most certainly not to UK. There is such a high chance it would result in his DEATH....Yes.

I have already read horror stories within the States where dogs haven't made it and that is a relatively short flight. Short nosed dogs are the ones who die on flights so a lot of the airlines are refusing to take them these days.

So, wehn we learnt that we should move back to UK, we actually had to start thinking about ways to get Elbi back home. We had talked about the train (trans siberian), we now had to see what existed.

In the past two weeks, I have researched so much. We are both determined not to leave him in Japan, eve with a loving family, because, quite simple, Elbi belongs with us. He is so much part of the Hawgood family, that we could not bear to be without him. However, we couldn't risk something horrid happening en route either. (We had just read the most awful story about poor, poor Kranksy - http://kranskybulldog.wordpress.com/ and couldn't let that happen to us wither. The move was already filled with enough sadness as it was.)

So, with many tears in our eyes at the loss of one family member, and at the prospect of life without Elbi, both my husband and I, across the oceans started a google frenzy.

There are airlines able to fly Elbi (Lufthansa and KLM) but it still didn't seem the right choice. Lufthansa even boast a pet lounge in the Frankfurt terminal - sounds like fun, but not if your dog doesn't make it through the 11 hour flight.

I mailed many many animal shipping companies. I got some replies offering me quotes ($5000 - although, money wouldn't be the issue, I would eat rice for a year to get Elbi home) and the 'reassurance that Elbi 'should' be OK.

Grumpy!

SEA - The main option we thought about was by sea. There is ONE cruise ship that allows dogs. Cunard Cruises - They even dock in Japan (passenger only, though). The New York - Southampton route is the one that would offer Elbi as much luxury as us! But, how can we get to NY (without flying!!!) It still remains one option, so we are now looking into getting to America, because doing the whole trip in English would be sooo much easier!

I looked into freight ships. Some journeys from Hong Kong to UK or a DIY route, through China, and then onto the train...

I didn't get many replies from all of the emails I sent out. Needless to say that people must think me very strange indeed when I begin a mail with something like 'Can we bring a French Bulldog on board your cargo ship!'

LAND - I found comments on the tran siberian saying that, depending on the conductor, animals were permitted in the baggage section! JOY! We had a lead.

7. Pets

Dogs are required to be placed in the baggage wagon. The owner must provide a cage and feeding. There are no official rules about smaller pets (cats, birds, small dogs...). You will have to negotiate the issue with the conductor, cabinmates and possible pay a surcharge. We do not recommend to carry any pets with you inside the regular passengers cabin for long distances.

Now, how can we get him TO Russia?!

We need this to at least get him to West Japan!

I found one freight company based in Japan, who very kindly put me in touch with DBS ferries. They travel from West Japan, via Korea, to Vladivostok (very near the train station, I believe). I received a mail back and BINGO! Elbi can travel.

So, the main option we have so far is this.

JAPAN - RUSSIA, by ferry

ACROSS RUSSIA, by train

RUSSIA to GERMANY by train ( I hope, still waiting on a reply!)

GERMANY to HOLLAND by train / by car, whatever it takes

HOLLAND to UK by boat (Stena link are a VERY animal friendly ferry)

This is by no means the end of our worries (nor is this the definite route...still researching!!).

In fact, we have to prepare so many documents (good job we have that year; it will take at least 8 months), but, we can rest at ease knowing that our Elbi can travel with us alllllllll the way back to UK.

This will be an epic journey. I cannot wait to blog it all. Watch this space!!