Welcome Home, Tanka!

After a long (8 month in total) quarantine process, a 4 month separation, and some quick puppy-proofing in our current home, Tatanka Wildfire Walker joined us in England! Adam flew home to the States to finish the process (what a LONG process-- more on that later in this post for those of you who are interested) and fly with him home on a non-stop flight from Denver. It has been amazing to have him home again.

Before we move along with this post, a HUGE THANK YOU is owed to my wonderful parents-in-law who took Tanka in like he was their own. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It meant the world to know he was with you while we were getting settled here in the UK. We will never be able to show our appreciation enough.

Tatanka Wildfire Walker, 18 month old Golden Retriever

Jet lag

 Like Pup, like Master.

Since there have been so many questions about the quarantine process, here is a quick rundown:

• The UK is a rabies free country. Consequently, they are (very reasonably) concerned about animals bringing the disease with them when they enter the country. To prevent this, they have instituted a 6 month quarantine process to ensure the animal is healthy.
• There are two ways to complete the process: in the UK or Stateside. If you opt to complete the process in the UK, the pup will live at a kennel in the UK for six months upon arrival. If you opt to complete the process Stateside, the pup must spend 6 months in the US after a negative rabies titre (or blood test). This process requires a lot paperwork, particular players, etc.  Our advice: be sure to work with vet(s) who are familiar with the process; it may be the only way to ensure all the details are known and appropriately accomplished.
• The irony: As of January, 2012 all of the rules will be different. And from what I understand, there will only be a 3 week (!) quarantine instead of a 6 month quarantine. Oh, life is ironic.