t-2h: Action

We can't leave the dog behind. So we are trying to organize all things necessary to transport Gina according to Ms. M.'s specifications. And yes, luckily she is really helpful, because she hands over her mobile to let us call a local pet shop, that provides everything we need (i.e. a proper cage)

So with about 36°C I am trying to organize. P. is staying outside of the airport and urgently needs some water, because she really is close to collapse due to stress. So I am running back and forth between the kiosco, P., Ms. M. with water and with mobiles.

One thing in particular is missing, which is: a drinking trough/bowl for poor Gina to have at least some water during the long flight. Somebody tells me, that I could buy one of those at the kiosco. So back to the kiosco. No bowl at the kiosco. Back to Ms. M. to ask the pet shop guys if they can provide a bowl. They can't. Running back to P. see how she is. In tears. Idea regarding the bowl: we've got this soft nylon travel bowl for Gina. It is usually staying in an okay shape as long as it is filled with water. But if the plane moves, the bowl will start sliding and spill all the water. There is a little noose at the bowl. So we need cable tie to fix the bowl to the cage, fill it with water and hope for the best for 12+hrs of flight. Back to the kiosco to ask for cable tie. And surprisingly Argentine airport kioscos are actually sellling those cable tie things. So if you are ever in need of cable strap to attach your nylon water bowl to the last minute dog cage you just bought to send your dog by plane cargo, you are perfectly fine in Argentina.

The pet shop guy tells us, that he is bringing the cage directly to the airport; costs 1600 ARS (about 160 EUR; will comment on this a little later) and takes about 1 hour. We have to "board" Gina until about 1h prior to departure latest. Tight schedule.

I am running to the ATM to get the necessary amount of cash. Back to P.

About 1h prior to departure, the pet shop guy shows up. We hand over the money, quickly set up the cage, attach the bowl, fill it with water, shove the dog inside the cage, run back to check-in... but wait, you don't know Ms. M. Of course you have to pay for the dog, before you can leave. It's 270 EUR for Gina's ticket (vs. 70 EUR for her joining us in the cabin). It is 50mins prior to departure and their flippin' credit card system is not working. So we have to wait... for at least 20mins. Paying the ticket, taking Gina to cargo, filling more water, kissing her good bye... all in one swift action. Then we run off to security to get aboard ourselves. Final call...

We're in the plane. I tell the steward to tell the captain to make sure, that the cargo hold for animals is properly conditioned. And I ask him for a tea to calm P. down a little. We are in our seats...