Lowcountry Dogs Abroad: Coming Home!

Hey, y’all! And it’s for real this time since all of Thomas, Party of 4 is now HOME safe and sound! As much fun as we had overseas, words can’t even begin to express how fabulous being back in the Carolina Lowcountry feels…And believe me, we’ve been taking advantage of our new/old location ever since we landed this past weekend! Shopping, eating, visiting, relaxing…yep, we’re doing it all! Of course, that’s not say that getting back home was a piece of cake…

Well, our last week in Germany was actually really good- crazy busy with packing and tying up loose ends- but good. One of the most important things of course, was getting Max and Dulcie ready for one last adventure- crossing the pond back to the States! The two biggest tasks? Reacquainting the pups with their crate and one more trip to the vet to get the paperwork ready to go!

 As you may remember from our first LCD Abroad post, ‘vet stuff’ takes up A LOT of time when traveling overseas. Fortunately, the bulk of the legwork happens before the journey begins. In other words, the paperwork and signatures required to get OUT of the States is significantly more than they are to get back IN, especially when you’re dealing with a US military veterinarian. In one quick appointment, we were able to get all vaccination boosters, all physical examinations and all signatures and authorizations. Finally, something that’s easy!

 Just as going over, we opted for a direct flight from Munich to Charlotte, NC, one of the only flights leaving Germany without a connection. By going directly, the pups’ time in the crate is minimal and there’s less for them to get ‘lost,’ so I definitely recommend going this route if you’re contemplating a trip. Also, I can’t say enough positive things about Lufthansa Airlines- not only are they great with their human passengers, but they’re fantastic with their four-legged ones, as well!

 After a long 10-hour flight (of course it always seems to take longer when you’re thinking of your ‘babies’ down below!), we finally arrived in Charlotte. Of course, Customs took some doing and we had to go through inspection in case either Max or Dulcie was carrying a bomb (yes, the girl actually said that to me as they were rummaging through their crate!), but as soon as those doors opened and we saw my folks waiting at the end of that long, uphill (I especially remember this part because I was, once again, pushing a wheelie cart with the dog crate, backpack and hangup bag while pulling an oversized roller bag!) hallway, we were happy, HAPPY campers.

 So…That, officially, concludes our European Adventure…this one at least! I have a feeling that there will definitely be more adventures to come, but for the time being, we’re enjoying all the things we’ve missed- family, friends, warmer weather, sunshine- and REALLY looking forward to the holidays. Thanks again, y’all, for coming along on our adventure of a lifetime!

 Erin Thomas is the owner of Summerville’s Lowcountry Pet Sitters, the area’s premier in-your-home pet care service. For more information, please visit www.LCPetsitters.com or call 843-327-7487.