2 Day Journey

On Sunday (Oct-28) my journey began to Dominica, where I would join Josh while he is attending medical school at Ross University School of Medicine. Josh left Springfield, MO on August 23 to pursue his education. 

It was an early start. At 3:15am, the car was packed with 2 bags of luggage, 1 back pack, 1 doggy pack, and the little monster himself. Garth was flying inside the cabin with me, so I was expecting some delays through the airport(s). However, without delays through MSP Humphrey Airport, Garth and I were comfortable in our seats by 5:45am. Although, it was a surprise to see another dog on the flight! Needless to say, we had to move so they would not be tempted by one another.

The first flight was about 2 hours long. For the first hour, Garth slept in my lap then moved to the floor. Luckily the gentlemen on the aisle seat was a dog lover :)

Flying over the Mississippi River

Sleeping on my lap from MSP to ATL

Garth curled on floor from MSP to ATL

Once we landed in Atlanta, I immediately wanted to find a pet relief area. Security guards directed me towards my gate and suggested I talk to a supervisor. After walking through an entire terminal, I approached another set of security officers. These officers were surprised to see Garth and told me how to get to a pet area... the pet area was all the way back through the terminal and 2 train rides to the main gate. Garth and I would have to exit the airport in order to find the pet relief area... 

Pet area at ATL

After his duties, it was time to go back through security and take the train to our terminal (again). We arrived just before boarding, giving me enough time to grab a muffin! Since this flight would be much longer (4hours), I decided to give Garth melatonin (3 mg) to help him sleep. 

Waiting as the plane was boarded

As the passengers filled the plane, Garth and I were in a row to ourselves! I moved to the window seat, and offered the isle to a lady across the way. She adored Garth and would act as a blockade so he would not go in the aisle. However, since there was a seat between us, he made himself comfortable for the majority of the trip. 

From Atlanta to San Juan, the flight was uneventful. Upon landing, I once again wanted to find a pet area. I walked to the baggage claim and to an exit. I asked the security officer where I could walk him.. and she didn't speak English... when another officer approached us, I was informed that I was not allowed back in the airport with my dog!! And so the explaining began... I would not have cared, except that I had not picked up my bags yet! Finally, I was allowed in to claim my bags and then let Garth potty. It was a mess.. and so were by bags. I used a laundry bag to cover my large pack.. and it had been riped apart and taped back together... Apparently checked bags are not handled with care.

We stayed at the Airport Hotel in San Juan. Garth and I were both exhausted so it was an early bedtime. The flight to Dominica was at 11:45am on Monday. 

Garth watching the pigeons on the roof top

The plane from San Juan to Dominica was... tiny. It was the smallest commercial plane I had even been on. It was a prop plane, so it was a bit loud. While waiting for the departure, I met a few other Ross Univ. spouses and companions. It was fun to hear their stories about the "first" flight to Dominica. 

Upon landing, Josh was there waiting to pick us up! Garth was SUPER excited to see him. He was demanding Josh's attention.

We were finally in Dominica :) The place we will call home until December of 2014 -- And I can't wait for the adventure to begin!