BC Gal

We paid the architect a flat fee of $5,000. We made our own design drawings with all measurements including doors, windows etc. for indoors and out. The architect drew them up - we checked them (sent them back a few times as their measurements on the drawings were not correct as per our drawings). When all was right they sent them off to the college and we had the house built. Good luck with your build!

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We always attach a small stainless steel dish with the hooks on it to the inside of the door. Pet stores sell these for birds and they are not expensive. The leash attached to the crate is a good idea. We always had one in the bag with the water/food.

Hi Lucybelle, We have shipped and flown with many dogs over the years with great success. We have never had a problem. Once when we were delayed for many hours in London (after we had already checked the dogs in) due to mechanical issues with the plane I was escorted downstairs into the secure baggage area. I had been very worried about where they were being held and if they needed to get out of their crates as we had a 9 hour flight still to go. I was very relieved to see them in a comfortable airconditioned Manager's office not stressed in the least. I got to take them out and stay with them for quite a while. We ended up in Iceland when we did finally get under way (destination was BC Candada) but that is a different story. The dogs actually had a much better time of it than we did. The one thing that we always do when we are flying dogs is to put a bag holding a water bottle and the dog food with instructions taped to the top of the create. It is a little ackward to do but taped down well next to the handle keeps it in place. We use tape and zip ties. The reason this is done - keeps handlers from stacking something on top of the crate. We also sit near the window looking out to the plane to make sure our dogs actually get loaded before we board. They always have. Once on the plane and well underway we speak to an attendant and say that we have been advised to check with the pilot to make sure they know that dogs are in cargo. They are wonderful about this - they walk forward and return to assure us they do know and have checked temperature etc. in the hold. We have never had anything but positive experiences over 20+ years of flying or shipping our dogs and/or our horses for that matter (another story). We have never used a pet service. It sounds like you have everything well thought out. What a lucky dog! Happy trails.

Hi, Not sure where you are in Canada and whether it might be the same in your province - BC offers the following: In some circumstances, while temporarily outside the province for work or vacation, individuals may retain eligibility for coverage during an ‘extended absence’ of up to 24 consecutive months, once in a 60 month (five year) period. To find out if you qualify, more information on extended absences is available on the MSP website. I spoke with the folks at MSP and it was very easy to get the 2 year absence in every 5 years. It is not counted January to December so it works well - it is just the actual months in a 60 month period. I was told that if you are needing to go over that time they will consider it as long as you call before the 24 months has lapsed.

We are also counting the days... Today in balmy BC it is 9F which to us is unbearable. Quite the departure from the temperatures you mention Dana. Seems longer than 3 weeks ago that we were basking in those temperatures while in CR. Cold temps affects ones memory.

The posts on that link are all from June - July 2012? Have you seen anything more recent?