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.

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.

Waiting

Making the decision to adopt Seiko was the easy part.

The hard part was getting a shelter in Indiana to approve adopting her to a home in Virginia.

I faxed the paperwork and waited. The shelter adoption counselor, I was told, would call me for an interview.

Meanwhile, I was scrambling to arrange transport. Since Seiko was not eligible for the Siamese Rescue Program, we would not be able to use Meezer Express which is without doubt the most organized, reliable, and generous group of transport volunteers. My hat is off to the Meezer Express Transport Coordinators. It is not easy to arrange transports - especially from the middle of Indiana to the coast of Virginia. I put out a plea for help on several message forums and the Wayward Cats crossed their whiskers.

48 hours went by with no contact from the shelter. I was getting cold feet. Even if I were approved to adopt - how would I be able to get her home...

Then a miracle occurred.