There's no place like home

[Eireann]

I finally realized. I want to go home.

I've been in this country for a long time. I've seen beautiful buildings and bridges. I've learned about the history. I've met people from all over the world.

I've also choked on the endless cigarette smoke. I've dealt with a lot of xenophobia. I've jumped through the bureaucratic hoops required to stay here. I've been alone on my birthday, Christmas, and the New Year. I have no close friends, and my social life is virtually nonexistent.

It's time to go. I can't believe it's taken me so long to realize this.

I'm worried about my cats. I just discovered that when you bring a cat into the States, it has to be checked to make sure it's not ill with something that can be transmitted to humans. One of my cats is completely healthy. The other tested positive for FLV. I can't imagine leaving them here - and if either one is rejected, she'll have to be sent back to the Czech Republic, or "destroyed". (I HATE that word when it applies to pets!)

Does anyone have advice for me on the best way to get everything together and make the move? When I realized I wanted to go back, I was literally crying with happiness. I'm already looking around the place and deciding what I want to take with me, and what can stay here. I have tons of books and movies, and while some of the books can be sold, I'm not getting rid of any of my movies. Some of the stuff will have to be shipped.

A month ago, when my former "friend" was so brutal to me, I was on the brink of suicide for several days. I don't get that at home. The people there are warm, supportive, and loving. It's easy to make friends in my hometown. The nature is incredible. The air is clean. Smoking is the exception, rather than the rule.

The biggest challenge, now, is getting kitties there safely. And making sure they are accepted.

[Taboo]

The CDC quarantine rules for cats are here. I'm only seeing a ban on things that can be passed to humans, but I'm also seeing advice that cats need the FeLV vaccine to fly, so.. I don't know. I would seriously recommend calling the CDC and just asking, and also finding a friend or a cat rescue group or something similar where you are currently living that the cats can be shipped to if either is rejected... just in case. =(

It sounds like coming back is the right thing for you to do, though.

[Eireann]

It's definitely the right thing for me, but it would break my heart to leave her. She's definitely my kitty, and she needs to be with me. I can leave her while I go somewhere, but that's when she's in familiar surroundings. I want everything to go as smoothly as possible, and for my cats to be cleared to enter the country. With me.

[Andara Bledin]

Maybe go to the US Embassy there and get all of the appropriate information that way.

Maybe there's some way to get the cats cleared beforehand, and then you make arrangements and follow?

^-.-^

[Eireann]

One of the kitties has to be with me. She's a VERY high-stress girl, and I have to be there to provide whatever reassurance I can. She still won't like it, but she won't be alone. The other kitty can travel cargo, I think; she won't like it either, but she doesn't freak out the way Kitty 1 does.

[Eireann]

Okay, I really need advice.

What's the best airline (one that will allow one kitty in the coach with me and will take good care of kitty in cargo)?

Where do I find the best and most reliable shippers for the stuff that doesn't fly with me?

How do I make sure both kitties are allowed in?

How do I keep from losing my mind over all this?

[Taboo]

How do I make sure both kitties are allowed in?

Call the CDC and ask about the cats. THEY are the authorities on what is and is not okay and they should be able to tell you. Then call different airlines and ask what paperwork they need for the cats to be able to fly with you.

[KiaKat]

Usually, as long as the carrier will fit under the seat, you're ok for carrying on. I have a fly-ready carrier at home, I"ll check the brand and let you know.

In regards to the FeLV+ kitty - is that the one that has to be in the cabin with you? They probably wouldn't let her into cargo anyway.

[Eireann]

Yes, my FeLV girl is the one who has to be with me. Even the vet had never seen a kitty stress as much as she does. If I'm not with her, she'll think she's been abandoned. I know that not all airlines allow kitties in the cabin (British Airways, for one).

I've already done some research on flying with kitties. It adds $100 - $250 to the airfare (this is per kitty). And as KiaKat mentioned, you need a specific carrier.

I hope everything falls into place easily. I've emailed the CDC at my destination, but I'm going to go to the American Embassy anyway.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I have no advice on flying with pets, but I just want to say good luck!

[Eireann]

Thanks!

I can keep my European residency. One VERY good piece of news!

[Taboo]

Thanks!

I can keep my European residency. One VERY good piece of news!

Very nice! Could be useful later, so always good to have the option.

[Jester]

Frankly, I'm surprised it took you this long to come to this conclusion. I was wondering months ago why you were staying there and not coming back home. Good to see you've come to your senses!

How do I keep from losing my mind over all this?

Relax. Breathe. Relax. Breathe. Slowly and deeply. Calm down. Relax. BREATHE!

For organizational purposes, you may want to sit down and type up a list of all the things you need to do, and organize your thoughts and tasks on the screen. I find it helps me immensely to do this in all kinds of things, such as vacations and packing for vacations (to name just a couple I've done lately).

Any questions, you know how to find me.

[teh_blumchenkinder]

I haven't really even taken a bunch of trips on planes... but best of luck! Look online, for msn, yahoo, etc. articles... I'm in class right now so I kinda can't.

[Eireann]

Jester, my sister said basically the same thing. When I told her I was moving back home, she said, "I've been wondering when you were going to say that."

I've led such an isolated life here, I haven't even had enough human interaction to get the feedback I needed. I'm still surprised, given my current even harsher isolation, that I made the realization that I could go home.

I have an appointment at the Embassy next week. I'm going to ask about the kitties. And anything else that comes up. A man from a relocation company is going to come over and take a look at what I'm bringing with me, so he can give me an estimate on how much the shipping will cost. I'm deciding what comes with me, and what stays. I've been telling my friends that I'm leaving (much to my surprise, several of them want to leave, too!).

And I'm wondering how the money will work. I need a lot of it to move. I want to have it as soon as possible. And I don't have a steady income, or anything like it. What now? What's the best way to get it?