Flying my cat ~nightmare story

Thank you all so much!

My friend's husband told me that Albus was actually a huge Steelers fan and that I should keep an eye out for him at halftime. 

I am pretty sure he will turn up but I worry about whether or not he may have injured himself during the escapes and I just keep going back to why I put that other carrier in the car at the last minute. Somehow my gut instinct was to use the other carrier and I didn't. I checked it, and it was kind that could have been tie banded in 7 places all around. It's very hard not to be hard on yourself when you put a loved one in danger, even if it was not intentional.

I am trying to stay positive though. I really really really need some good news right now so if anyone has any, please share!

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your lost cat.
- When we moved from Sugar Land, Texas to London. We used Continental Airlines to ship our dogs, at the last minute we had a change in flight plans and Continental transfered us and our "Live Cargo" to Northwest instead.
- While in Detroit, we got to visit with the kids (Dogs) for a few hours in the Shipping Center between flights. You are so correct about all the forklifts, but the Northwest personnel seemed very concerned that our "Cargo" was well secure in their cages.
- If you have ever been to the Detroit cargo center, there are no houses close by, only runways. So if an animal escapes, the cargo building is the only place to go for warm shelter, food, and water.
- I'm sure someone will find your cat, everyone we met there was very nice and seemed to care quite a bit about animals.

Wishing you the best.

Carson~ Thank you SO much for the info. It makes me feel like he might stay put or at least if he wanders out, might return.

The Northwest people have been more than kind so far. They do seem very concerned. I'm just frustrated because they seem to be one of the airlines that specializes in live animal transport and I would have thought that they would know which carriers were safer. This was my first time flying an animal so I was clueless. Nothing I can do now though except hope someone learns from my mistake.

Thank you again for the Detroit details! You've given me some hope!

Courtney,

 I am so sorry you are going through this. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. Hugs!

  omg i am so sooooo sorry!

I dunno what i'd do if satan went missing...god that's horrible.

I'm sure they'll find him though! try to stay positive!

Any update yet, Courtney?

Oh my god, Courtney!!! HUGE hugs, darling. What an absolute nightmare. I re-homed my cat who I'd had for about 10 years when I moved and she was MISERABLE in the first home - I've NEVER felt so much guilt in my life. Ever. But I know I did the right thing - just like you are doing the right thing. My cat never would have managed a trans-Atlantic flight and everything did work out in the end. Don't beat yourself up. And do keep us posted!!! 

Court, so sorry to hear about Albus! My heart goes out to you! 

I think the airline's request for something with your scent on it is a wonderful idea! That should bring him out. Did he have a favorite cat bed or something like that you could send?

Please keep us posted! Thinking of you....

Courtney has just msg'd me on yahoo and said Albus has been found in the rafters and they have gotten him out and he is in the office and a Vet is on his way to examine him. Her sister is on her way to pick him up as well....

She said she is so happy they found him....

thanks everyone for all their good thoughts and prayers

yay, that's wonderful! *hugs* for Courtney (and Albus, poor thing!)

Wonderful news.  Thanks for passing it along, MeShell.

No problem I am just so happy this had a happy ending!!!!

Me, too.  I think Albus is going to have some interesting stories to tell after this adventure.

Thanks for the relay, MeShell! Courtney, wonderful news! I'm so happy for you and Albus!

yaaaay!!!