A big move and a new adventure!

[Helen O'Keefe]

We have some big news. Merlin and I have moved. And not just down the road, or across the country. More like . . . across the world! We have moved from sunny Perth, Western Australia, to not-so-sunny Scotland. I'd love to say "to Perth, Scotland", but no, we are much further north, and west, than that. Actually, about as far north-west as you can get while still being on the mainland!

Our respective flights went very well and then we had a very long drive to our new homes. Merlin travelled very well, even being happy to settle into his crate for the drive up, after being in it for the whole flight as well. He is loving his new home. So many new and exciting smells, huge spaces to run around in and much cooler temperatures to make running around easier. He was not quite so impressed at being made to stand in our first proper snow for me to take pictures of him though!

Some details of his trip, for those who are interested: We had a pet transport company who dealt with all the paperwork and logistics. While this is a bit more expensive, it is also necessary for international pet moves from Australia. Merlin was picked up from my place in the morning, had some vet checks, then hung out with the transport company until his flight in the afternoon. He then flew to Dubai (~10hrs?). At Dubai he was taken out, walked, watered, vet checked again and rested outside his crate for 7 hours. He would've been fed but as he has a sensitive stomach I requested that they don't feed him. He then flew direct from Dubai to Glasgow (another 10hrs?) where it took him about 1.5hrs to be vet checked (again) and cleared through customs. I could then pick him up straight from the airport! No quarantine, and the only requirement other than a worming tablet before he left was a rabies vaccination at least 3 weeks before we left.

Here are some photos of him in his new home.

[James Doran]

Goodbye sunshine, hello wind, rain and near solitude, Helen!  Didn't fancy the sports car then?  Seriously though, our best wishes to you and Merlin in your new life and location together.

[silvia]

Welcome merlin and Helen ! Such a big change and move :) I wish all the best in your new home and wellcome! !!!

[Barbara]

I wish you and Merlin all the best in your new home!

[Catherine Carter]

What a move! Thanks for sharing with us all the details , always interesting to know how this can be done and successfully too! Welcome to the UK ! :-)

[Ellen Turberfield]

Looks like Merlin has settled in very well, hope you do too (",)

[Helen O'Keefe]

Thankyou very much for all your kind words and best wishes. We are definitely settling in well and keeping busy with lots of walks (so we haven't been on ES much recently!). We met another setter up here this week which was delightful, although I forgot to ask if they were on here.

[Myra Thomas-Rhodes]

Hi Helen, Congratulations on such a big move. Such a beautiful place, you and Merlin will be very happy. Hopefully, my next trip will be to Barra and the rest of the Outer Hebrides - maybe we'll catch up. Enjoy your new life XX