Seiko Express

September 7, 2007

The big day was finally here. I woke up counting the minutes until meeting Seiko & Tonya at the Richmond airport. It hadn't seemed real until then - probably a defense mechanism to protect my heart if something went wrong.

Tonya called once they cleared security at the airport. By then Seiko had a legion of admirers, charmed by her blue eyes and sweetness.

My car was loaded with a carrier, litter box, food, water, toys - anything a kitten might need after a long plane ride. And some special gifts for Tonya. I headed out for the hour drive to Richmond. I had never been to that airport before, though I have passed it many times on Meezer Express runs. The road to the terminal is confusing the signs are poor and the construction does not help. I made several wrong turns before finding the entrance to the parking garage. Once in the garage I there was no place to park except for the top level - somewhat scary because it is so high - but anything for a meezer princess.

I had some time to wait and by the time the plane arrived everyone in the waiting room had inquired about the empty carrier and knew Seiko's story.

And then they were there - finally. Tonya was everything I expected. - warm, kind, absolutely wonderful. And Seiko was everything and more than I expected. She was a good size too - I was expecting itsy-bitsy based on her trouble gaining weight. She was totally calm and composed even in the middle of an airport.

I think everyone falls in love with her instantly - her personality is so evident in her face. She knows no strangers and is afraid of nothing.

Several people wanted to know "how they could get an cat like that." Fortunately Tonya had some Siamese Rescue pamphlets to hand out.

It was obvious that Tonya and Seiko had really bonded in the time they were together. We exchanged paperwork and gifts and parted amid tears.

Who are You & Where are We Going?

September 5, 2007

Early morning Tonya took to the road - beginning the 500 mile round trip to pick up Seiko.

Meanwhile Seiko got her vaccines and health certificate and adoption fees are paid.

Tonya arrived at Kat Kamp and they were on their way - but not so fast...

Just as they were about to get on the interstate Tonya's phone rang - they had forgotten to give Seiko her microchip. Back to the shelter they went. Seiko was none too impressed with the process and made her displeasure known. It was our first indication that the little princess has a powerful set of lungs.

Finally I got the call that they were on the way home.

Spay Day

Checking my e-mail on August 26 brought welcome news...

Seiko was on the way to be spayed. Pets ALIVE Spay/Neuter Clinic had the services of a top notch surgeon, Dr. Jerry Edington, that day. Although Seiko weighed only 2.25 pounds, they had decided to move forward because of his skill and experience.

Of course I spent most of the day anxiously checking my e-mail for updates. Its hard to be a long distance meowmy.

Finally I got the good news, Seiko was back at Kat Kamp and recovering nicely.


The last major hurdle was cleared. Seiko would be ready to travel east on schedule.

Kat Kamp

Bloomington Animal Care and Control has a dedicated group of volunteers who, through the Foster Guardian Program, "provide temporary homes for companion animals who have special needs; need socialization; are youngsters under the age of 8 weeks; do not show well in a kennel situation, but are otherwise deemed adoptable; are purebreds awaiting placement in breed rescue; are in need of additional training to improve their chances of finding a life-long home."

Seiko was placed in one such foster home, under the care of a kind and witty woman named Martha, who refers to the foster home as Kat Kamp.

Under Martha's excellent care, Seiko began to blossom and gain weight.

Enter Tonya

Seiko has a guardian angel. Her name is Tonya.

I had been able to find drivers for parts of the transport, but there were large gaps in the route - gaps hundreds of miles long. Plan "B" - using Pro Pet Transports, a professional ground transport company - also had some major flaws.

I had all but decided to give up when I received a private message on one of the cat forums I frequent. Tonya generously offered to pick up Seiko and board her until a satisfactory transport could be arranged.

Riding on the huge wave of hope, I re-faxed my application to the shelter. Just a few hours later the application was approved. Seiko could come to Virginia.