Reilly: Part One

Reilly.  She is my four year old West Highland Terrier-Poodle mix kindred spirit.  Next to my husband, she is my dearest companion...just ask my kids! My coming to Paris was 100% contingent upon being able to get her over here, safely and comfortably.  I mean, after all, I accepted responsibility for this little life and have nutured that life.  I couldn't just walk away from her. Believe you me, I had plenty of people who volunteered to take her for me. I was grateful for their kindness, but as much as Reilly may need me, I need her more.

Back in September, when the job posting was made official, we began jumping over hurdles, through hoops and around obstacles.  It took more paperwork and procedures to get her here than it did to get my French Visa.  To say that I was sick over it is an understatement.  At almost every turn, there was someone saying that even though you did this, that and the other thing, the airport security could turn us away because we have a dog.  The pilot or the airline (we flew Luftansa) could just decide, no dogs in the cabin this flight.  Customs in Germany or in France could say nope, nuh uh...get back on the plane and go home...that is if the pilot is agreeable.  Ugh...sick, sick, sick.  I had nightmares about traveling with this precious, adorable, well mannered little trooper.

In September, we bought her an airline approved carrier and started training her to travel in it.  I bought Rescue Remedey, an herbal calming aide and we used that on occasion to see what affect it would have on her...more for my nerves than hers.  I had to feel as though I was in control of something.  We drove to Virginia and Maryland with her in the carrier and she went along pleasantly enough for the ride.   We had her microchipped per European Union animal requirements.  We actually had her chipped twice because the EU requires a 15 digit chip.  Our local veterinarian didn't realize there was a specification, so Reilly got the 10 digit chip and after a random Google search on traveling internationally with pets I discovered the EU specification.  Yikes!  A trip to a different vet (my vet didn't carry the 15 number chips) and another $60, Reilly was up to code.  My local vet now only offers the 15 digit chip, since that is accepted in North America as well as the EU!

In late October, we had to find an apartment in Paris that allowed dogs...somewhat limiting the field which was already limited to a 4 day search period.  But, I think we found the right place because of Reilly.  We all feel quite at home here.

As moving day drew nearer, so grew my heighten state of panic.  I packed as much stuff for the dog as I did for either Bill or myself.  There were beds and blankets, toys and towels.  I bought a 2 month supply of dog food so I could transistion her over to French dog food.  I brought her rain coat, sweaters, 6 months of heartworm and flea/tick medications...There are no ticks in Paris, but there are some literally killer ticks in the south of France.  Most domestic pets die within three days of that tick bite!   I even packed peanut butter for her; a favorite treat when added to her rubber Kong toy, especially when we have to leave her alone for a little while.

Stuff packed and shipped.  All travel arrangements made and fees paid.  Letters of introduction written to the Luftansa flight crew.  It was time to go.  We took Reilly for a really long walk up and down our street.  December 30th was a bitterly cold day, but we had to tire her out and of course make sure "business" was completed before the journey to the airport. 

She rode on my lap to Logan.  It was the longest and shortest trip to the airport in my life.  Brian, my neice's husband, drove us in and dropped us at the curb outside Luftansa.  Time for Reilly to go into the carrier for check-in.  We asked Brian to stay in the area until we cleared security.  Reilly gave one little bark as we waited in line to check our bags.  I shushed her and she shushed.  Thank goodness for Business Class Priority lines...we checked our bags in record time and we went straight to the front of the security line.  Once cleared, we called Brian and released him...but he was on call just in case they wouldn't let us board. And for Reilly, this would be the last time she would be free from her carrier for nearly eight hours...the longest stretch ever. 

I thought that once we cleared security and were waiting at the gate, I could keep her leashed and on my lap in the gate area...but no.  Less than a week before, some idiot set his crotch on fire trying to down a plane in Detroit, so all rules were being strictly enforced.  As time for boarding neared, we approached the gate, handed over our letter of introduction for her and I prayed.  I prayed the Lord's Prayer, several Hail Marys and asked St. Francis to intercede for us.  The attendant at the gate looked at us, looked at the letter and handed it back.  She never asked to see the dog, the carrier, the carry-on tote filled with Rescue Remedy laced peanut butter sandwiches...naddah!  She did tell us that as Business Class passengers with a dog, we could board first...YES!!  On hurdle down and one shark in my stomach eliminated.

Time to board and nary a peep from the Wonder Dog.  We got on the plane and approached our seats and down the aisle marches the flight attendant.  I feel Jaws take a chomp of my insides...for you see gentle reader, this was only the second time I have ever flown Luftansa.  The first time,  Frau Brucher (see Young Frankenstein) was our attendant and she was not a happy camper.  But, this gentle lady approached and with our letter in hand, we made our formal notification that we were flying with a dog and happily, introductions were made.  She stuck her hand in the carrier and Reilly gave her a little lick.  Dog kisses...magic! The other passengers around us, most of whom did not speak English were enchanted by my little dog...who still to this point had yet to utter a woof.  If I had asked, I bet they would have all agreed that I should let the little dog out of the carrier and we would all take turns letting her snuggle in our laps...*pop*...awake from dream state please! 

With Reilly safely stowed under the seat and us about to take off, I gave her a piece of freeze dried chicken...how I got that through security I'll never know...but this gave her something to chew on as we reached altitude.  I wasn't sure how her ears would react to the changes in cabin pressure...but God bless her (I know He did cuz I was still praying), she settled in for a nap after her treat.

About 2 1/2 hours into the flight, I was getting antsy about her.  Was she too warm, too cold?  I could feel her moving about the carrier with my feet.  Bill was getting just as anxious and he leaned over to me and told me to pick up the carrier and put it on my lap.  If I was stealthy enough, I could slip her out of the carrier and onto my lap under a blanket.  As much as I would have adored this, this was NOT going to happen for any one of several reasons: 1) it was against the rules and I almost always follow the rules 2) I still had a few Great Whites, Hammerheads and Tiger sharks eating my insides, 3) if I took her out, she was not going back in willingly and 4) she would be on my lap...so guess who would get kicked out of the country first as a scofflaw...me.  Instead, I propped the carrier on the armrest next to the window and opened the front access panel just enough so I could put my arm in the carrier.  I offered a spiked peanut butter sandwich as a distraction and she acquiesed nicely.  Stretching out in her little den, she plopped her head on my arm and snoozed.  After a while, I was able to open the front of the carrier completely and just poking her nose out, she rested against my arm for another hour or so.  No sounds, no struggles...no more Great Whites.

After our little cuddle, Bill zipped her up and took her to the lavatory along with a piddle pad to see if she needed any relief.  Nothing doing.  After a quick drink from the sink, they returned and Reilly went back under the seat where it was a bit cooler than on my lap.  There she stayed for the remainder of the flight. 

We landed in Germany at 5:30 am, after  nearly seven and a half hours on the plane.  Next stop, customs.  Since we were one of the first flights arriving at the airport for that day and being Priority Class, our luggage was off first and we ran to the Customs Gate.  Paperwork at the ready, we approached the agent, handed over our passports and after a few cursory questions and stamp in the book, we moved on...right out into the terminal..no declaration point, no live animal check...just the cold air of Frankfurt and blessed relief for the dog.  While I waited for our daughters to clear customs (they traveled coach so it took longer for their bags).  Bill took the dog out of her carrier and let her stretch her legs and relieve her bladder.  Now, I may have given a bad impression about the Germans with my Frau Brucher reference earlier and they can be a stern people, but they do love dogs.  Don't you know that outside the International terminal, down the sidewalk a ways, there is a lovely little area designed for four footed travellers.  Aw.

So after a very uneventful train ride from Frankfurt  upon which Reilly was able to sit on our laps for the whole two hour trek, we arrived at Gare du Nord in Paris.  Again, gathering kith and kin, we got off the train, looked for some sort of customs clearing point, but nothing.  Out the door we went to the taxi stand and put Reilly back in the carrier.  In my school girl French, I told the driver, "J'ai un chien."  He looked at the carrier, looked at me and the last shark in my stomach and nodded a rather nonchalant, affirmative.  We climbed in the taxi and headed into the city.

Welcome to Paris Reilly, my vaccinated, microchipped friend.