HappyHeart

1 hour ago, Wanderer Returns said:

No, and neither are chips part of a full English - although I'm sure plenty of greasy spoons would accommodate the request. It's either toast, fried bread or my personal favourite - oatcakes!

Oatcakes? Which kind? Staffordshire or Scottish?

6 minutes ago, MacGyver said:

Just an alternative experience to some of the comments above. The crate our dog was transported in would be impossible to chew its way out of and had a water container connected to the outside of the crate which was also impossible to chew or destroy. The bottom of the crate had absorbent padding in case the dog couldn't hold its pee and food intake was limited prior to the flight with the aim of preventing the need to do other business during the flight. Of course there is stress involved in the process as it is an alien environment and experience for them, but with Emirates they are last on the flight and first off the flight and have a mandated stop in Dubai for several hours (cant remember the exact length of time). So after flight 1, they are taken to the pet centre in Dubai airport, checked by a vet, fed and watered and given the opportunity to stretch their legs out of the crates. The process then restarts for the second flight where they are given fresh padding to the bottom of the crate, fresh water and last on flight and first off again. 

The international transport is long but broken down as above and very professional, the issues often referred to on here and in the media seem to be the domestic travel/transport where untrained staff leave pets on the tarmac in the heat and seem to not care about the pets welfare. Our dog was completely fine, but if he was a very anxious or nervous dog we might have felt the process was too much for him and made other arrangements. 

Its a pity there are no cruise liners that allow pets on board for the long journey as I'm sure (pre and post covid) it would be a very popular option. We researched it and the only route for pets by sea was USA to UK, with spaces very limited and th eopportunity to see your dog once per day. If that had been an option to Australia we would have paid any crazy price they demanded, but in the end the flight was fine.

It’s not just domestic flights. The wait time for the dogs (and cats) involves often many hours in cold and draughty (or hot) cargo sheds awaiting loading. The staff have varying degrees of animal experience. Standard plastic animal crates can be destroyed by a determined animal. Dogs can dig their way out of garages and through walls when distressed. 

I hear there’s plans to allow dogs on planes in the cabin? Can only be a good thing but limited to small dogs that can fit under a seat in a crate I believe? 

10 hours ago, OzinEire said:

Our dog is flying out from Dublin to Melbourne tomorrow! It's been a long process but we couldn't have left her behind. She's my husband's shadow. 

She's crate trained since a pup so shouldn't be too distressed from that end. We've made sure her hair is short for this side in the heat and the 12 hour stopover in Doha where they're let out for a break, stretch their legs and a small bit of food.

We have the vet bedding in the bottom of the crate so that if she does have to pee then the wet will be wicked away and she'll have her last meal tonight and then we'll walk her early tomorrow so hopefully she's pooped before she takes off. 

We also have the water bowl just inside the door. I've seen people use the water pipe things used for guinea pigs and the like but unless they're trained to drink from them then they're pretty useless on the crate. 

We saved some money by doing the rabies and PEQ booking ourselves but they constantly bring in new rules so if you're not confident with lots of paperwork then you're better off paying a pet shipping company I think. Good luck!

I expect it makes a massive difference when your dog is crate trained. They will feel much safer and less distressed. A free range dog will have a much harder time being confined if they usually sleep where they please. A period of crate training could be a good thing for those pups not already used to it. 

That said, a lot of racing greyhounds are exported overseas and interstate (who are used to confinement) and often don't do too well at all....I guess it depends on the dog. 

1 hour ago, Dusty Plains said:

This was domestic, but in Europe it would have been an extended flight across central Europe, Belarus and beyond Moscow, The dog chewed through the restraints as they were looped through the cage. Yes the container was on the outside. I am certain that the dog, being young just freaked out during the flight.

Thanks for the advice re "Pet Air" I prefer no pet air ever again.

I know of stories of dogs who have chewed their way out of crates in the cargo hold in a desperate bid to escape. Blood everywhere. Others soaking wet on arrival as nowhere to do their business but in the crate. I just don’t think it’s wise or kind to transport any animal by air for any purpose. 

53 minutes ago, tea4too said:

Your post set me thinking about the adjustments we make when close family move away, and I think it is maybe inevitable that relationships change. Everything shifts slightly, including expectations, needs, responsibilities and even how we reflect on some memories. The greater the distance, the longer the separation, the harder it is to maintain the closeness that daily familiarity tends to nurture. Any shared experience tends to be something that happened in the past, whereas current 'news' involves people we or they either don't know, or no longer spend time with. Each party becomes an outsider looking in, interested in catching up and keeping in touch, but separate.

Maybe it is part of the price of emigration because even the frequently declared 'only 24 hours away' is impractical for all those little things, good and bad, that create the glue of mutually dependent relationships.

None of this necessarily means that people care less for loved ones, or that they are forgotten, and when people do eventually get together it can often feel as though they were never apart. However irrespective of which side of the world we live, there is little choice but to get on with life and fill the gaps that the absence of loved ones create.

But in truth, it would have naffed me off too HappyHeart.  Tx

Very well articulated and totally relateable. Thank you.

5 hours ago, Dusty Plains said:

We put a young fox terrier into cargo with Virgin for a flight from Sydney to Perth. All up the dog was in the crate for more than 6 hours. Our family members at the Perth end were horrified when picking up the dog. It was nearly dead from dehydration even though I had provided a pet bottle in the crate, but the dog had chewed the container.

Never again.

Now imagine UK to Australia

How old is the dog? This is a consideration. We rehomed our dog before we came over. She’d had one stint in kennels and couldn’t cope. When we collected her she cried the whole way home and was very affected. She didn’t eat. On reflection we would do so again (rehome) I feel that dogs are very adaptable and if confident a good permanent home can be found I would go that way. What is in the dogs best interest? That’s a good decider. 

Having heard of the stressful and arduous journey a dog in transit takes I know I would not put my (sensitive) existing dog through that. If the dog is sensitive and reactive it will be very stressful and confusing for them. They are in the same crate for many hours without being let out to toilet. Loaded up hours after drop off before the plane departs and again waiting for unloading and transfer to the terminal and their carrier to arrive. All the sounds and heat/cold must be very difficult for them. I hate to be negative but this is my experience (having an insight into cargo practices) 

2 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

Yes, I think that's what I was getting at.  You can never go back, truly.  Things will have changed. So sometimes, it's better to choose somewhere else where you're not constantly going to be looking for "the way things were".  

I don't feel like I could ever 'go back'....not that I want to. Too much has changed. We've changed. I agree if going back, go elsewhere, a different town...nearby to 'home' if necessary.. Unless of course you've been away a short time and everything you want and need is in your home town. 

8 hours ago, Bulya said:

Then I guess sashimi is out…

Oh no I love a good poke bowl 

49 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

I think that fresh feeling is entirely psychological.   In the last few years, both my oh and I (at different times) have had minor ops which meant we couldn't shower for a few days (with him it was eyes, with me it was my face).  We both "topped and tailed".    My  oh is a real germophobe and was convinced he would stink after a few days but he didn't, not in the slightest.    In both cases the weather was mild, but we did go out for our usual 10,000-step walk so it wasn't like we hadn't exercised. 

 

Psychological or not, it's a feeling I value! 

12 minutes ago, Parley said:

Its a woman thing. You know what i mean.

That men are dirty? 

17 hours ago, newjez said:

I used to shower twice a day in Australia. I shower once a day in the UK, but you could go for a day without showering in a UK winter with no problems.

I have a teenage son who forgets to shower. My sense of smell has been damaged by sinus infections, but sometimes even I can smell him. My wife thinks he is disgusting. Must be a hormone thing, because it tends to be our tall children who stink.

I never wash my feet in the UK. They just get wet in the shower. In Australia, wearing thongs, my feet tended to go black, so I made a point of washing them.

Isn't it just nice to feel fresh? I shower every day wherever I live. Much easier to have an essential freshen up in the shower. You don't need to over to it with the soap. I couldn't feel comfortable without a daily shower. Last time we went camping and the shower was packed up the morning we left, I couldn't wait till we got home so boiled the kettle for an all over body wash. My son and husband on the other hand can go days....

2 hours ago, Bulya said:

Why are you waiting for ‘all the pink to go’?

Because I don't like it under. 

1 minute ago, Parley said:

Skin side down i think is the trick for the majority of the time and just a brief turnover at the end for the other side.

I try that but it takes ages for all the pink to go. Then it ends up overcooked. 

It must be my hob or pan or something. 

My Nan is 90 this year. She was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago. Its hard to chat with her on messenger as she's mostly deaf. Shes been out here at least 4 times. She won't make it again. 3 years ago was last trip and she struggled. I was planning a trip back this year for her birthday but that's not going happen. She was such a big part of my life. Me and my Aunty did all the organising and get togethers etc. We are noth in Perth now. Theres a big family over there too. I feel like we've lost the connection. I might never see her again. Makes me so sad. 

On 02/07/2021 at 10:55, Dan Not Dale said:

We can video call for free. I have never not had it as an option and simply don’t know how people did it without it. Ring him often.
Covid has exasperated it all massively. Can’t visit, can’t help them. Had to watch sh*t happen from afar. 
I would say listen to your gut, if you think your dad deserves a long spell with you, fly him out or go for a extended trip home. I will be doing a long trip home when this is all over for sure. 
I’m fast learning a bigger house and salary doesn’t really mean much compared to a good family. 

Trips are not an option. He won't come here without his wife and both of them have health issues, multiple hospital appts etc. I can't go back for a longer spell. Not with work plus my own family to consider. 

I just called him. He was talking about the 'Grandchildren' which winds me up as they're not even his. Petty I know and selfish of me given I whisked his away and he hasn't even met his 2 great grandkids. 

I was shown pics of them on the mantlepiece. I asked where my youngest's pic was...in the other room he says. He's just messaged me to say he's moved it to the mantlepiece. Out of sight out of mind. 

28 minutes ago, Marisawright said:

I have recently learned how to cook salmon well at home but not any other kind of fish

I don't know what it is about fish hey? I always bake my salmon. 15 mins at 180d. It's probably well 'over' but I struggle with pan trying. I love a nice piece of beautifully cooked local fish. All the local restaurants seem to do it very well.  

9 hours ago, newjez said:

I love fish, but I never order it at a restaurant. I think I worry it won't be filling enough.

I love salmon on eggs, but not a fan of hollandaise sauce. I'd have it with Vegemite though.

It’s always really well cooked and I just don’t have the knack to cook that at home. Not the most filling choice though I agree. Hollandaise is the best.  

My daughter just booked her vaccination. 20th September. She works in the aged care industry. 

31 minutes ago, Blue Flu said:

Some express better in online terms than face to face . Plenty of 'events' been to where conversation, if it can even be called that is laboured . Common ground and/or joint points of interest being near to non existant.

Agree. I think quiet periods are normal when dining with a close family member or spouse  though. Do some people watching or look at the scenery. Read the paper even. That's what we do. The cafe owners must live us. Lingering over our last flat white or half a glass of whatever. 

1 hour ago, Parley said:

If it is a big group I agree that you can mingle a bit and talk for longer and could probably stretch to 3 hours if i can walk around a bit. In a pub setting you can go up to the bar etc and stand up and chat to different people.

A dinner for 2 I could not cope with more than an hour and a half. Plus they will be totally bored with me after an hour.

Doesn’t it depend who the other person is? Why would your dinner partner be bored with you? You’ve got lots of opinions to share! 

5 hours ago, newjez said:

Mine is a lamb Madras. 

On the breakfast menu mine is salmon eggs Benny or maybe pancakes (which I usually regret as too sweet)

On the lunch menu I usually go for the health bowl options or the fish. Never order anything involving burger or chips. So unimaginative. 

5 hours ago, newjez said:

Mine is a lamb Madras. 

Less boring. 

27 minutes ago, Dusty Plains said:

In what way?

I'm kidding!!

2 hours ago, Bulya said:

Preferable to soap dodging 

What would you call their feet if not devoid of soap action? There's at least a years worth of grime in some of those cracks. No...I maintain  Aussies are far filthier than Poms imo.