Sunday

Sunday:  Butterflies in my belly.  Showtime.  Goodbye for now, Singapore.

Saturday: Ask, and you shall receive. Seek, and you shall find...

There are 3 factors that motivate this blog.

Factor 1:  I needed to discipline myself with daily writing and practice.  I have been dancing for a while.  As in serious hard core dancing.  You don't get to the hard bits without discipline and daily practice.  I don't really care to dance much these days, but the need to create is innate, urgent.   Creativity goes nowhere without practice.

Factor 2:  I found myself in paperdom hell trying to decipher EU pet import laws, DEFRA, Singapore AVA demands and laws etc etc etc when I was trying to sort out traveling with Bruno.  To spice things up, Bruno began life in Tasmania, Australia.  So it has meant communicating with vets and the powers that be in the UK, the Netherlands, Singapore and Australia.  I've encountered hostility.  But I've also experienced much kindness.  I keep thinking, I can't be the only one needing to re-locate with a dog to the UK from Singapore, and how as I meander through this fog, surely I could share what (little) I know, and help someone else along?

Factor 3:  There are some wonderful blogs/information on traveling with dogs out there.  But everywhere I looked, I could not find the kind of information I was seeking.  For instance, everyone is saying Amsterdam is the most dog-friendly of cities (HOORAY!), but all the information available thus far also states that for the most part, even as dogs can go everywhere in Amsterdam, they simply cannot go to museums.  Then I try searching specifically as to what to do with a dog in Amsterdam.  Vondelpark- great- I get that.  But what sort of trip would it be for me, without some kind of museum visit?  The more I researched, the more curious and dissatisfied I became with what I found.  So I simply decided to write directly to X to ask.  Politely.
                                                                             

Ask, and you shall receive.  Seek and you shall find :)

In a nutshell, Factor 3 can perhaps be described as the way I like to be.  What I like to do, see, feel, touch.  I think I've chanced upon some unexpected gems.  If it makes it easier- here's my research, I'm happy to share.

photo credit:  Rembrandthuis (etching by the Dutch Master)

Thursday- Cutting Through Red Tape

Today's appointment at the vet was for Bruno to receive his final check-up from this end of the world, and for the good vet to fill out the EU pet import forms.  To enter the Netherlands- you will need to use the form that is printed in both Dutch and English.  Dr. Ang was excellent- patient and meticulous.  I spoke to her about the reality of sedating Bruno.

After that, it was off to the AVA on Maxwell Road to get these forms stamped.  A very patient and kind lady helped me.  The first thing she asked me was if I had applied for the veterinary certificate from the AVA.  I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about.  I showed her my folder of paperwork for Bruno.  She saw that it was not there and she saw my horror-stricken face.

In the end, all I had to do was fill out yet another form, wait for about an hour while she cut through red tape, waved her magic wand, collected all the documents I had on me.  There is an express service offered for this veterinary form that you will need in order for the AVA to then complete the EU forms and officially stamp them, certifying ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP.  The express service costs $46.  This veterinary form is not to be confused with the health certificate that your vet produces for you. ( I was confused.)  There is also a fixed window as to how long these forms are valid for.

While waiting, I learnt something else.  That is, the dog license your dog would need before you can even apply for an export permit from the AVA expires with the export permit.  Meaning if I brought Bruno back next summer, I would have to re-establish his residency as once Singaporean, and climb the paper mountain, again.

Wednesday- Daily Practice

This morning's conversation with the lovely D and G, is driving today's post.  I think I had better clarify- Bruno has been preparing for travel since...March.

To his repertoire of Sit-Stay, Mum-Mum, Off (the dining table), Come, Let's Go, and Good Potty (outside, on grass, please), Bruno has had to learn "Inside" (enter travel bag), "Bag" (he never had one before), "Mommy pohpoh" (Mom is going to carry the bag), "Settle Down" (in the bag), "Sleep, Sleep" (in the bag), and "Out" (get out of bag).   Bruno practises a combination of this, every day.  

 

Bruno practising "Inside", "Sit-Stay", with The Big Dog assisting.

Early days- Bruno learns that the Bag holds his dinner- he just has to walk into it!

Bruno is also by nature a reserved dog.  On a bad hair day, he veers towards timidity.  So we have had to work towards building his confidence and being exposed to as many scary elements as possible.  

Friday night at Esquina- Crowds, pulsating music, aromatic food =  V Scary.

After-work, mid-week at Bistro Soori- Loud chatter, strangers, busy wait-staff = V Scary

Sit-stay through 1.5 hours at hair salon with some crazy billowing contraption around my head and strangers milling about = V Scary

So the three things we practise tirelessly are- the idea of his travel bag as a safe, happy, private place, long walks to vent any anxious or hyped-up energy, and as much exposure as possible to new places, people and sounds.  To make the walks more challenging for him, I have also introduced some off-lead/recall work.  

Bruno practises crossing the river and ignoring strangers.

Bruno confidently explores the river bank, without falling in.

Bruno practises the re-call command, running back to me.  Good job, Bruno!

Lastly, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa all fly dogs in-cabin from Singapore to Europe.  They also fly animals in cargo. 

Tuesday: Love, Box-ed Up

Bruno and I visit Popo this afternoon.  I love the easy banter and silences that unfold as we sit together.  My grandmother is a very expressive woman.  She holds my hand, kisses me, tells me to take care of myself.  She chirps like a little bird at Bruno.

Outside the sky is ghostly orange, then dark grey.  The faint sound of thunder is heard.

U-jan, my grandmother says in Malay.  Ia akan hujan.
Rain.  It is going to rain.

Bruno is exploring Popo's kitchen.  How I love the tiles of the kitchen floor, cool to the touch, and rough with memories of homework at the dining table, hair being braided for school, hide-and-seek with cousinS, and always the pungent, sweet smell of rempah pounded and then fried up.

At 4pm, Popo insists on seeing me out her house, takes unsteady, determined steps down her driveway, and waits for me at my car.  There is an unexpected sadness rising like a tenacious tide, claiming.

What are you cooking tonight?  Popo asks me.

I twist the key to get the engine started.  I think of last night's bento dinner prepared, and will the tears away.  I wave and smile at my grandmother.

Buta no Shoga Yaki.

I think, this is how it feels- Love, box-ed up.

Monday- (Counting Down)

Monday-  Bruno makes it to Agatha's and receives a rather smart, clean clip in preparation for the European summer ahead.  His hair has been trimmed to almost an identical length all over his body.  This is a new look for us.   The idea is that by fall, his entire coat would grow out to an even length (another new look!), keeping him warm.  Agatha's voice softens when she says, "You can ask the groomer there to re-shape it if you like..."

While Bruno gets preened, I pick up gifts, groceries, and have lunch with the very lovely S.  I surprise her with gifts for the baby and the boy.  She surprises me with an early birthday present.  I leave lunch feeling rich.  Girlfriends are precious.

S's gift is beautifully wrapped.  The grey string gives me an idea.  I use it to make a label for Bruno's SBS.  If the unforeseen and unfortunate happens, Bruno can at least be identified, and hopefully returned safely to me.

Sea Smoke Sunday

Tonight he opens a bottle of Sea Smoke and says, Well, once a year.

Sea Smoke- such an evocative sound.  How I would love to call a horse, Sea Smoke.

The first time we spoke on the telephone, he could not understand why I had blindly called him.  In his (rightful) mind, he was trying to get a sense of this illogical long-distance conversation, and fashion perhaps, an idea of, me.

Er.  I am S's friend. 
Who is S?
Er.  C's younger sister.  You know, your friend, C...
Oh...Why are you calling me?   How may I help you?
Er.  It's Thanksgiving.  S says you like wine, a lot.  What should I serve with the turkey?

Sometimes in life, one has to grovel to get out of a hole.

Sometimes I think, what cements this marriage is my ability to drink.  I stay up most nights waiting for him.   He comes home.  We drink.  We talk some.  And drink.  And talk some more.  Then we drink a lot more.  I am grateful for good genes, and my grandmother's liver.

Before I became his wife, I would read Robert Parker, memorise useful information from the Wine Spectator magazine religiously perused at Astor Wines off St Mark's Place.  Once I became his wife, I easily forgot vintages, harvest years, and the right way to spell you know, Sassicaia.

I am going to miss him.  I am glad Bruno is going with me.  Then I look at Bruno, and I remember, only two birthdays ago, he had said-
 Lets adopt Bruno.   I know it will make you happy.

And then I think-
Baby? Save the last drink for me.

Haze-d In

There's some crazy deforestation going on in Indonesia, so we are haze-d in.  The humidity is oppressive, the air smells of smoke.  Am trying to engage creatively in some degree of optimism... Hmm.  Figured, might as well start packing for the upcoming move, while Bruno practises resting in the Cube.

Bruno's food, treats, medication, potty bags, toys, blankie etc etc etc to be shipped ahead...

Toiletries etc downscaled into small bottles as I can't bear the thought of lugging weight around.  And finally, summer wardrobe for The Odyssey Project sorted out.  Need to still add leotard, tights, socks, underwear, pjs, fleeced hoody and some kind of long sleeved-top for yoga/dance/riding.

Third Attempt

Please bear with me.  I really like my dogs walking on their own feet.  But the upcoming flight with Bruno has forced me to delve into the unfamiliar world of pet carriers.  They say "third time's the charm"- I think, finally a bag that makes sense!

It's called the Sturdi Bag Cube.  It measures 10" by 10" by 10".  I really like it!  

The Sturdi Bag Small (above left) allows burrowing space, but the Cube (above right) frames Bruno, distributing his body weight evenly.  Best of all, it tucks right under my arm or hangs snuggly on the crease of my elbow.  I don't feel I am lugging a (dog) house, and am very comforted knowing that I can travel my usual way, with speed and lightness!

Third Time's The Charm!  http://www.gwlittle.com

On a Quiet Street (in Penang)

Something about the heat of the afternoon brings to mind, the island of Penang.  Ah casuarina trees, the best South Asian foods, heritage architecture...And on a quiet street near Unesco-listed Georgetown, Clove Hall.

 Period furniture, artifacts, mosquito netting, four-poster beds...

 The owners are on site warmly welcoming every whim, and at the time of my visit, were considering well-behaved pets.

  Home-made breakfast served poolside, daily cuddles from the resident pup, George.  Ain't life grand? www.clovehall.com/

Form, Function & Form Again

Now you see him...

Now you don't.

Prepping the little guy for The Odyssey, I threw on some travel garb this evening.  He's happy with the Sturdi bag (small).  I'm happy he's happy, and I'm grateful it's light on my shoulders.

I like that it is utilitarian-looking, nondescript.  Reminds me of the early Prada days and that ubiquitous nylon bag pack of the 1990s.

But as a choreographer obsessed with form and function?  This size overwhelms a 5'3 frame.  I'm too short and not wide enough to carry its length with balance.

No matter.  Sturdi Bags has recently introduced, The Sturdi Cube!

http://sturdiproducts.com/

Regent Retreat- Singapore

Believe it or not, a few hotels here in Singapore welcome dogs as guests.  Here's a favorite retreat of mine- The Regent.  I hide here when I need to work on my book.  I also quite like the Four Seasons and Capella.  But The Regent is gentler on the pocket, an easy evening stroll to the Botanical Gardens with Bruno in tow, and if you forget anything, Tanglin Mall is right there.

There is a fading glamour to the Regent that I find comforting.  Afternoon tea is a languid affair, Tenshin Restaurant serves up tempura with discreet precision.  The salon on the ground floor is pampering, Bruno is always accommodated.

Dogs can't hang out at the pool, be left alone in the rooms, or dine at the restaurants. No worries- there is always, room service.

http://www.regenthotel.com/EN/Singapore

Some Useful Information

Final destination-  London.  But the UK does not allow pets to arrive via in-cabin travel.  So if like me you have a timid dog small enough to travel in-cabin, alternative routes can be arranged.  It just takes some imagination and a lot of humor.

Bruno and I are flying directly from Singapore to Amsterdam, taking the Thalys from Amsterdam to Paris, and then driving across the Channel via the Eurotunnel.  This is the most humane (for him!) route I can think of, which keeps him with me at all points of the journey.

From Singapore to the Continent- KLM, Lufthansa and Air France allow dogs in-cabin.

Some useful information/unavoidable tasks, pre-journey, assuming the point of departure is Singapore:

1.  Dog must be microchipped

2.  Rabies shot must be administered 30 days before departure, and after microchip has been implanted

3.  All annual vaccines must be up to date, or else.

4.  Blood test to be done to check for heartworm if one has been negligent (Guilty). 

5.  Dog must be licensed with the AVA here in order to do the next.

6.  Apply for an export permit via the AVA website- this is only valid  for 30 days- to be presented at Changi Airport.

7.  Vet to fill out health certificate accordingly, this then needs to be brought over to the AVA and officially stamped.  This is only valid for 7 days.

8.  EU-Dutch health import forms to be filled out by vet prior to arriving in the Netherlands.

In The Netherlands:

1.  Apply for EU Pet passport at a local vet (not kidding) or else he cannot travel within the EU.

2.  Have the same vet administer the tapeworm treatment and record all that down for entry into the UK.

In Paris:

1.  Have all the above ready to show officials if asked...

Note:  Eurostar does not presently allow dogs to travel on their trains, hence the more imaginative route.

I hope I remembered, Everything. 

The Sturdi Bag

The Sturdi Bag is popular in America, but I have personally never seen one in Singapore.  Some assembling is required.  If the Tumi Alpha Carrier is the Ferrari of dog bags, the Sturdi is honestly that trusted Honda.

So we take it for a test drive.  With Bruno happily ensconced, I slide it under the couch.  Hooray!  A perfect fit!

But First, A Bag

Once the decision was made to bring Bruno on-board/in-cabin to Europe, I had to find an appropriate bag to contain him.  Singapore where we currently live, is not exactly the most dog-friendly of cities, and pet paraphernalia limited.  The good folks at Tumi found one of their Alpha carriers stashed away and retrieved it for me.  So in March, I began teaching Bruno to jump into his bag, to rest in it periodically and to allow himself to be carried about.

I suppose in the world of pet carriers, the Tumi is like a ferrari.  Sleek, exquisitely made, powerful, weighty.  Bruno loves it.  But when I booked our plane tickets, we found that the height of the bag was not in keeping with KLM policies and woe to us, another bag had to be found.  Pronto.

Thanks to Mary-Alice (http://www.dogjaunt.com/) who kindly responded to a stranger's query, we managed to purchase the Sturdi Bag on ebay, and it arrived neatly packaged yesterday.