The Pet Minder

Pick up a cat and deliver it to our requested site, was Vivian’s request from Singapore. Simple, the QF flight would arrive at 2pm, Customs and MAF would clear by 3pm, and the whole deal would be completed by 4pm or shortly after.

Today, Friday the 19th, should have been the 13th.

The first call from Air NZ Cargo, was at 10.30 am to say the flight would be delayed until 5.30 pm. Something about the outgoing flight from NZ being late departing. Right. implement Plan B, and everything would be ok with the world by 5.30pm

The day progressivley deteriorated from that point. Four more phone calls from the Cargo boys, and the poor cat was due for arrival at 6.30pm.

Having arrived at  the airport, credit card ready for the fees, only to be informed that there was a possible swine flu victim on the flight, people with masks, police with guns on the airbridge. Not sure what they thought they could do, maybe kill it.    All Alan wanted, was the paperwork, it should have been simple enough.

At last, we were ready to depart, at 7.45pm, having been checked for fleas, mites and whatever else Benson may have possibly been carrying.

A short stay overnight, and then on to his destination on Saturday. He deserves a medal, as it has surely been a long day in the life of one cat.

How much more difficult, can one flight from Singapore to Wellington, via Sydney be???

All the pups were bright and cheery this morning, non the worse for wear, having endured a very cold night.

Wednesday at Day Care, is a special day, because, amongst others, we have, Pepe, chocolate labrador, Scooter, a friendly mixed breed and Fortnum and Mason, the bassets.

The bassets and Pepe know each other quite well, and do not require an introduction to one another. Scooter has met them once before, so there was a lot of sniffing, of noses, ears, backs, and other unmentionable places, before a bond was established. Once this had taken lace, it was all on, and there was no stopping them.

The bassets decided, it would be a great strategy, if they went up close to their mate Pepe, and barked in his ear. This, in basset speak, is, “please play with me”. The only result was, that Pepe moved, very quickly, out of their range, as was not sure, exactly what they wanted.

Scooter, in the meantime, was doing a play bow to Pepe, and with all her heart, trying to engage him in play.

It did not take more than five minutes for everyone to have sniffed all that was necessary for the introductions, and then the serious play was in full swing.

Home time is somewhat of a surprise, especially, when I choose the lucky pup, as they are all barking and yelling, “pick me”.

There is a huge amount of discontent amongst the others when their play buddy goes home, however, everyone has their turn.

The bassets very much looking forward to their dinner, and Pepe, who collapses in the back of the Subaru, when he realises he is on his way, and Scooter,  bright and full of life, but, so tired after she arrives home, she has to be woken for a toilet stop before bed.

And, so it goes, as we all wait  with anticipation, for another week to come around,  when we all get together again, for our day of Day Care.

The polar blast has finally arrived, as promised, with freezing temperatures and snow. I was fortunate enough to have the afternoon off for my daughters birthday, but Anne said it was snowing all afternoon, and she was playing with the pups in the snow. They surely, must be, by now, pupsicles, the poor things.

One young labrador, Pepe,  who was in for Day Care, has now found himself staying the night. The whole indignity, of not being in your own bed at night.

The Rimutaka Hill Road is closed.

However, a better forecast for Wednesday, when we, hopfully, will all be thawed out.