Operation Rabbit Transport

 Friends - As you read this missive I find myself preparing to return from  New Home to New Home 2.0, mostly for the purpose of transporting the rabbits.

The transport of the rabbits has been the heaviest thing on my mind about this whole move (Yes, I know:  relocation, a new job, moving things - and this is your concern?).  Rabbits are not as easy to move as dogs or cats, for example.  Most airlines will not take them, which leaves the option of either driving them yourself or paying rather hefty fee for relocation of said bunnies.  And rabbits can be sensitive to environmental changes.  

It has created a rather large amount of stress in my life.  But the rabbits need to come out to be with me long term.  And where there is a will, there is a way.

I had toyed with the idea of ground transport, but both our veterinarian and the rabbit shelter director said that driving would be equally or even more stressful than a four hour plane flight.  And it turns out that while most airlines will not take rabbits, two still will:  Alaska Airlines and Spirit Airlines (go figure).  Alaska flies to where we are - a direct flight, as it turns out.  They can fly in the cabin under the seat in soft sided carriers (extra fees apply of course - but that is, interestingly, reimbursable).

The cages, litters, hay and food all came out with the moves.  A portable air conditioner has been procured to make sure the rabbits are cool enough (rabbits do not do well over 80 F or so).  The litter boxes, food dishes, water bottles, and snacks are in New Home.  

Today, we bring it all together.

If all goes well - and I am sincerely hoping it will - in the late afternoon we will place the rabbits in their soft carriers, empty and clean the litterboxes and pack them in garbage bags in a suitcase, empty the food and water bowls and put them in the suitcase, pack up the snacks and medication, and drive to the airport.  After getting through security (the rabbits will have to come out of their carriers - that should be "exciting" ) we will quietly sit in the lounge until boarding.  The Ravishing Mrs. TB very kindly upgraded our seats so we can get on earlier and have a bit more space.  If all goes well, 4.5 or so hours later we should land at New Home 2.0, where we will go to the parked car, drive back to the apartment, and ensconce the rabbits in their new home.  And then go to bed.

At least, that is the plan.

I keep comforting myself with the idea that the whole operation will take less than eight hours.  And while one cannot medicate rabbits the same way one can medicate dogs or cats (they are pretty sensitive to medication), one can give them things like lettuce to encourage them to chew and help with the air pressure.

I do not know that this rises to the level of a prayer request, but good thoughts would always be appreciated.