As soon as I read about the Travel Buddy program I wanted to take part. It was so easy, we would help take dogs to be adopted from Antigua to where they had a better chance in America. There was no cost to us except for a little time. I filled in a form and Joy and the team took care of the rest.
Our two charges were Congo (above) and Mr Morris.
Joy and volunteer and foster carer Nancy met us at the airport with the pups and their paperwork and has already arranged their travel directly with the airline. Once we were all checked in we headed to immigration and security where we took the dogs through the scanner with us – holding them out in front.We had lots of people come talk to us and pet the pups. On-board they stay in their carry-on bags under the seat though and were quite the whole way through, little Congo did have an accident as she had been expected to fly that day so she had been given food & water earlier that day but usually the pups will wait to land to have their first meal of the day and sleep through most of the trip, it’s very tiring at the airport!
Ben was awesome keeping Congo calm and we cleaned her up when we landed using the (very handy) service dog area at Newark International. We had to declare we had animals and briefly see a customs official to review the dogs paperwork but it took less than 2 minutes and we were all out and on our way.
We then handed over to local volunteer and foster carer Danielle and we were on our way. Next time you are flying why not see if there’s a travel buddy service and you can help save our little furry friends.
Volunteers are needed leaving Antigua to Boston, Newark, New York, Philadelphia or Toronto – Contact Dogs and Cats of Antigua to become a flight volunteer here.
