Farewell Donna, Patrick and Poppy

While we were busy in the Netherlands, Donna was busy in our house making the final preparations for her, and Poppy's journeys to Australia.   Patrick had already left the previous week, after making his goodbyes to family and friends.  It is not easy emigrating to another country.

It was a sad week for Donna, as she said goodbye to all her friends and work colleagues, plus Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel.  And Aaron, Kylie, Mia, Abi and Raphy in the Netherlands.  And us.  A difficult week.

Poppy posing in her box, that she will use for her trip.  She has been sleeping in the box for a few weeks in order to get used to it.  Australia has very strict quarantine regulations, and Poppy has had many tests and needles to prepare her for entry into Australia.  Once she is collected from our house in the box she will not be allowed out until she arrives in Sydney.  She cannot eat before the trip.  A bit hard on a labrador that loves food.   She will be given water during the flight.

 

Donna preparing to pack clothes. How does one fit everything into one suitcase?

I think Donna is trying to suck some air out of her clothes, in an attempt to fit them all in to the bag.

Order at long last.

We will miss them, here in the UK, and I am not looking forward to returning to an empty house.  And no Poppy to go walking with in the woods.  But it is a wonderful opportunity for them all, together with Scott and Lucy, who are already in Australia.  They have exciting and new adventures ahead of them, and we wish them every success.

A postscript.  
Donna has arrived safely, and is no doubt recovering from jet lag, but is very happy to be with Patrick, Scott and Lucy again.  Poppy has landed in Sydney, where she will get the greatest of care while in quarantine.  She will fly to Adelaide in ten days time and will be one very happy dog when she is reunited with her family.

See you all in December.