yayspace
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Posts posted by yayspace
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23 hours ago, ihatechoosingusernames said:
My dog does great in the car. I agree with @rising_star about using La Quintas. They're usually great, you get a free breakfast, and they're always pet friendly. I've read too many stories about dogs dying in the cargo holds of airplanes to even consider it, and I have a big ole doggy who would be way to expensive to fly anyways
@yayspace - My cats fight sedation too, and it makes them awful to drive with. I found that if I don't sedate them they'll start to settle down about an hour into the drive. If you can make it through that first hour with music/podcasts/selective hearing, you may be fine. I restrict their food the night before and the day of so they're not pooping all over the place, but if I stop for a lunch break I'll give them some water. I'm also doing my longest drive this time around and am going to invest in a Sleepypod carrier that can be buckled in to the seats for safety. One of my cats really likes to be able to see what's going on, so the mesh top is helpful. They're also waterproof and come with a washable liner which I hope will contain any accidents. Like I said above with the dogs, there have been instances where pets have accidentally died or been let loose at the airports. Also, I don't know how the relocation services work, but not only do airlines sometimes restrict whether or not pets can fly in the cargo hold (because of extreme high temps that might be a factor in Louisiana summers!) but sometimes they only fly to the closest major airport. The one time I flew my cats because I didn't have a car, the closest airport I could fly in to with pets in the cargo hold was New Orleans. Then I had to have someone pick me up and drive me and the cats the remaining three hours to my destination. It was a pain!
Yeah, I have these concerns. The companies I've been speaking with assure me that the airlines they work with are used to flying pets and pets are the last thing on the plane and the first thing off when they land. But they can't really control what goes on at the airport. And, sadly. as it turns out... I may just fly with my remaining cat. We had to put Steve down on Monday. He was the one who had such trouble traveling. With one cat who is more calm, I think I can fly with him under my seat or take him in the car. I'm heartbroken but it was for the best. He had cancer and was in a lot of pain. I miss him so much. Sorry to bring everyone down.
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20 hours ago, Cat_Robutt said:
@yayspace I second the temporary cushion ideal- if only! My cat has the really bad habit of pooping when she's upset, so I'm just hoping that WILL NOT HAPPEN on the drive!
Cats are certainly unusual creatures, that's for sure. Or fur sure, because that's also a definite.
And @Citizen of Night Vale just make sure your cats don't invade any local community radio stations! Who knows what hijinks could occur then. Hopefully they will manage the trip without too much stress.
OMG my cat that I had when I was little would poop EVERY TIME we took him to the vet. It wasn't even that long of a car ride. I think he did it just to piss us off. One time, he puked on his brother on the way to the vet.
Unfortunately, my cat right now is having stomach issues. Hoping that clears up real soon and doesn't affect his ability to travel.
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13 hours ago, Cat_Robutt said:
I'm driving from coast to coast with my cat, so around 55 car hours total. Here are a few things we did on our first bi-coastal move that she liked, but YMMV:
- Get a carrier that is comfortable; she has a soft-side carrier with lots of visibility (it's a Sherpa Delta one). Place food in it each day for a few weeks beforehand.
- Have favorite toys and objects in the carrier as well.
- Make sure cat has plenty of food and water along the drive. We have Buster's foldable silicone bowls, and at regular intervals (rest stops), I place some water in a bowl and dry food in another. Even if your kitty doesn't want water, having it readily available is key. If cat starts panting, that's a sign of nervousness, heat, and/or dehydration; stop as soon as you can and get them some water.
- Speak regularly with your cat during the drive. It may sound stupid, but talking to them, touching them, reassuring them can help.
- If you can travel with another human being who can sit with cat in the backseat and help you out, it makes the trip so much easier.
I hope none of this seems obvious or stupid; I've traveled and moved several times with my 15 lbs. very VERY unstable rescue cat and we've somehow managed to figure out a way where neither of us get terribly mangled due to travel. She adjusts a little better now, and I don't have hours of wailing and scratched arms!
This is awesome. Thank you. If we do end up sticking them in the car with us, this is very helpful info to have. I like the idea of putting food in the carrier beforehand. I plan to put a blanket and one of my pajama shirts (worn a few times) in with them, too. Poor critters. I wish I could just be a Harry Potter character and turn them into cushions or something for the ride!
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21 minutes ago, ClassApp said:
There are pet friendly hotels. Have you considered this as an option? Maybe it would be less trying for your cats if it was a couple shorter trips rather than one long one. Past that, I would recommend contacting your vet and getting their ideas on the trip. Good luck!
Yeah - I'm definitely going to talk to my vet. I feel like taking them on the road will just prolong their misery. Flying them would mean their journey would be over in 5 hours, total, as opposed to a 15 hour car ride. It'll cost me more, but I think it's worth it. As long as my vet okays them for air travel, of course.
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42 minutes ago, Pink Fuzzy Bunny said:
Oh man, that sounds like a horrible situation... Sorry!
Yeah, it makes me feel like I'm torturing him. Ugh!
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Just now, Pink Fuzzy Bunny said:
Why not? There are plenty of sedatives available for pets for exactly this purpose.
I've tried this and my cat fights them, making himself more miserable.
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I was accepted at University of Louisiana-Lafayette and I'll be moving there this summer from Chicago with my boyfriend and two cats. I am seriously considering using a pet relocation service that would handle flying my cats from Chicago. Has anyone had any experience with these services? My cats are a huge part of my life and mental well-being, so I am very nervous. However, sticking them in a car for 14 hours is not an option for me. I appreciate any advice you all might have regarding these pet relocation companies. Thanks!
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24 minutes ago, shadowclaw said:
Something to think about if you did send your cat by plane - you have to get some sort of health certificate from your vet. If your cat is due for its annual exam anyway, then it probably wouldn't cost much more (I don't know if they have to run any specific tests or if they charge for the actual certificate). However, it is an added cost on top of paying out the nose to fly your cat.
Although technically, you also need this when driving to many states, but you probably aren't going to get caught if you don't have it.
Yep - the two relocation services have already warned me about this. Plus you have to buy a special kennel for them. It will be expensive, no doubt. I wish I could just transform them into car-loving dogs for this trip!
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On 4/9/2016 at 11:22 PM, MarineBluePsy said:
Am I the only one that finds it really weird that there isn't some sort of pet shipping service? There are pet resorts and pet restaurants so.....just saying.....
There actually are a couple pet relocation services. They all arrange for the pets to fly to their destination since this is usually faster and less traumatic than a long car ride. I've been looking into and pricing out a couple companies. They aren't cheap but I think it will be worth it. Driving stresses me out enough already. Combine that with moving, starting a PhD, worrying about everything.... then add two freaked out cats? No thanks. I will pick them up at the airport. LOL
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Okay, someone must live in Lafayette! I need help with an apartment search!
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Okay, first I was freaking out about not getting accepted and now I'm freaking out about the idea of moving from Chicago to Louisiana. How do people move across the country?!
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On 3/29/2016 at 1:11 AM, shadowclaw said:
I got a summer job as a wildlife technician and started 2 days after graduation from my masters program in May and worked until mid-July. I spent the rest of July and August floating in the pool with my mom who had knee surgery and was out of work for a while. Also did some reading and watched some tv shows, and drove down to the Carolinas to visit a friend. At the beginning of September, I drove across the country with my husband and cats, doing some limited sightseeing along the way (mostly stuff that could be seen from the car or was at a stop since we had the cats). Once we arrived in the Pacific northwest, I still had about 3 weeks until classes started and we started exploring the area.
How did your cats do on the trip? We have two and I'm (probably, haven't officially accepted yet) moving from Chicago to Louisiana. One of them cries and cries in the car. The other just sits silently, wide-eyed. How did you transport all your stuff, plus cats, etc.? The logistics of this move are starting to freak me out.
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31 minutes ago, sjoh197 said:
I've been working on my birds... really great time waster lol.
I love this! Can I get it on a cloth fan?
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18 minutes ago, sjoh197 said:
I'm jealous... I grew up hopping between ypsi, the flint area, and dearborn.
So... keeping some kind of fan or something is important. The humidity in the air prevents your sweat from evaporating, which is how you cool down. So your body overheats easily. So you have to help with that evaporation with some kind of fan.
Lightweight quick dry wicking clothes are great. Also... something like the summer's eve body deodorant spray helps keep you from sweating in places you get heat rash, like in between your boobs. And bra's without padding are better for not getting gross. And using a daily eczema lotion helps prevent heat rash some as well.
Ugh. This is so helpful. I inherited my German grandmother's generous bosom, so the summer's eve stuff will definitely be on my shopping list. I never thought I'd need to own a fan. I thought that only happened in the movies. LOL. Thank you!!
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2 minutes ago, sjoh197 said:
What part of mich did you grow up in?
So... the heat is one thing, but the humidity is what really gets you. It hits you like a wall. I don't know if you're a girl or a guy... but there are lots of tips and tricks you have to use if you're a girl who wears makeup and does her hair and stuff.
Also, regardless of gender, I would probably recommend having a jacket or something in you backpack or whatever you carry, because the building are extra- air conditioned and the humidity sticks to you outside so when you go inside you start freezing.
A little place called Stanwood, near Big Rapids.. which is near Grand Rapids. I'm a girl and rarely wear makeup, but I would definitely be interested in tips. I don't do anything to my hair except wash it and comb it. It's straight, which I think will be good in humidity. I do tend to get heat rash. The jacket tip is very helpful!
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1 hour ago, sjoh197 said:
I'm guessing you got in at UL.... since there isn't anything else actually in lafayette.
It's hot and humid... just like the rest of the state. There's not a whole lot going on in the city, although you'll be busy school wise anyways. Lots of rural tract people, and a lot of the people there are big into hunting and fishing (It's the only outdoor activity available unless you play football).
People there "like" the ragin cajuns but in reality they're all still LSU football fans.
I've been told the area around the uni is mostly safe, but I don't really know a lot of people who go there... just people who live in the lafayette.
This sounds a lot like the area of Michigan where I grew up - the hunting and fishing and football part. I can deal with that. Hot and humid... ugh. I'll have to adjust. Thanks for the info.
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I GOT ACCEPTED. OMG. IS IT OKAY TO FREAK OUT HERE BECAUSE I'M DOING IT!
Side note: Anyone familiar with Lafayette, Louisiana?
- Neist, Solio and BooksCoffeeBeards
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Hello! I'm currently living in Chicago but have received an offer from University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Can anyone tell me what Lafayette is like? Any suggestions on where to look for an apartment or house to rent? I'd rather not be surrounded by undergrads. Also, we don't need a car in Chicago, but I'm guessing we will need one in Lafayette. Has anyone lived there without a car and made it work? Thanks in advance!
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6 minutes ago, hippyscientist said:
"Dear XYZ,
While I appreciate this is a very busy time for you and the department, I just wanted to let you know of my continued interest in the program at XYZ university. If there is anything further I can do in the meantime please let me know.
With thanks and best wishes,
yayspace"
Or something to that effect is what I would write.
@Pink Fuzzy Bunny Here's what I've got:
Dear Dr. XXXXX,
Thank you again for letting me know about the status of my application in the Creative Writing PhD program. While I appreciate this is a very busy time for you and the department, I want to let you know of my continued interest in the program. If there is anything further I can do in the meantime, please let me know.
Thank you for your time,
Best Wishes,
yayspace (but my real name instead) -
1 minute ago, hippyscientist said:
"Dear XYZ,
While I appreciate this is a very busy time for you and the department, I just wanted to let you know of my continued interest in the program at XYZ university. If there is anything further I can do in the meantime please let me know.
With thanks and best wishes,
yayspace"
Or something to that effect is what I would write.
This is great. Thank you! Now, to make sure I don't actually sign off as yayspace....
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I need help! I'm over thinking this email, for sure. I want to email my top choice where I am wait-listed and let them know that I am still very interested. How would you word this? I don't want to sound like a nag (they emailed me over a month ago and I responded right away to acknowledge/thank/etc. but haven't emailed since) but I also want to impress upon them how much I want to go there... HALP. I'm a writer and I can't write this email!
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5 hours ago, thepinkdragon76 said:
Well I guess they thought I was pathetic, which admittedly, I can be, but yeah. I was cyber bullied
lol
This site and this process brings out the pathetic in me, too. But people obviously have too much time on their hands.
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1 minute ago, thepinkdragon76 said:
Yes they really did.
That is sad. What is this, Yahoo Chat from the 90's? (Well, it sort of looks like that era...)
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14 minutes ago, thepinkdragon76 said:
Hahahahah you tagged someone who picked on me last spring instead of me. Lolz
OMG oops! Hahaha... wait someone made a profile just to pick on you?! WTF?
Relocating Pets
in Officially Grads
Posted
That is so awesome. I love the idea of animal lovers banding together to safely transport pets long distances. Someone needs to write a book about this if there's not one written already.