I have just been given all the flight info for Hannah's arrival in UK next Tuesday.  She is flying via Athens to London Heathrow arriving at 15.50 hours.  She will be in that box for a long time poor girlie.  We have been given all the info we need to collect her from the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow.

Now that will be the easy part (although there is apparently lots of waiting around, it can take 2-4  hours for dogs to clear customs).  I have booked our 3 doglets into kennels for that night more for our own sanity than Hannah's.  Just so we can settle her down quietly at home.  The plan is next day to get them to all meet on our local moor which is quiet and safe.

I was wondering if anyone has done anything like this before and has any advice to help us.  For instance do we bring her home in the box she will have travelled back in? She may feel more secure in it rather than loose in the back of the car. Fact is she will never have seen an English house and is not confident on the lead.  But she will have to be on a lead when meeting our dogs on the moor as she is a hound and can run like the clappers I believe!!  At this moment I haven't a clue how we will cope, I just  hope we can.  I rremember her as gentle and docile and not a barker so please God she has not changed LOL.

So I am looking forward to seeing the pretty girl again - but with some  trepidation!

Snowflake

Can not offer any advise... But how exciting.. Good Luck.

When a Spanish owner picked her boy up from Heathrow who had flown from New Zealand we put him in the back of the car on harness and I just talked to him, stroked him etc. for the drive back to Yorkshire and he was great.  The idea of your meeting with the rest of your dogs is perfect.

No advice but you must be excited if not a little nervouse,hope all goes well good luck.

> do we bring her home in the box she will have travelled back in?

I'd make a plan B if I were you as often they soil their box and may be glad to be out of it.

I'm sure she'll be fine and fit in like she's been yours forever.

Good luck.

Hi snowflake,

I agree with tooolz - I think your girl will be very relieved to escape the contraints of her crate, even if it's bone dry and spotlessly clean :)  Perhaps she'd settle on the back seat with you to reassure her and secured by a seat belted harness for her safety and everyone else.

As to mixing with your current residents it sounds as though your plans are good - neutral territory and a pleasant walk together to take the edge of excitement off the existing furbies and nurture the confidence of your new girl at the same time sounds the best idea.

Good luck with her and importantly relax and enjoy your re-aquaintance!  Exciting times :)
best wishes, Teri

Hi snowflake, 

I brought my 2 chows over with me from New Zealand and picked them up from the Animal Reception Centre.  I think they take them from their crates as soon as they get them and put them in holding pens to stretch their legs and have fresh water, etc.

We just gave the leads over and they were brought out to us on them.  All the other dogs I saw were on leads as well.  My boys were very relieved to see us but were not distressed in any way. 

The car park is right up to the door so not far to walk your girl to the car.

Your girl will probably be over all the excitement of the journey by the time you pick her up and just take it all in her stride :)

Hi Snowflake....I cant offer advise but having read your thread I just wanted to say "Good Luck" with your new girlie....How exciting.
If shes coming through Heathrow Im sure that nice man Stuart (If he still works there)off TVs Airport programme will see her safely throgh Customs for you
P xx

When a friend picked up her dog from Heathrow she walked him to the car and put him in the back where she has a double cage with one of the girlies in one side.  He had never been in a car before apparently but he was fine.  I think the most important thing is that you act confident and just treat her as normal :)
Good luck

good luck! I hope it all goes great! Ive also read through your threads about hannah, I bet you are so excited to finaly get her! :-)

Hi Judith,

Just to say good luck!! and can't wait to hear how it all went and that Hannah is home sweet home! The lucky girl :)
(She's stunning isn't she!)
Very best wishes Liv x

Thanks all for your best wishes and I will keep you posted.

As you have  all said - exciting times!

Snowflake