Sandy the Dog: Migrating from KL to Kuching via MASKargo (Change of plans)

If you read my earlier post, I was planning to take Sandy along as excess baggage on my flight. BUT, due to the confusion and blurness with MAS procedures (they insisted that Sandy, the Yorkie, is a restricted breed), I needed some back up.

I checked with Dr Kee from Caring Vet to find out if Sandy was a snub nose dog (MAS doesn't allow any snub nose dog breed on flights). Last night she emailed me and confirmed that Sandy, a Yorkshire Terrier, does not fall into that Branchycepalhic breed. Mini yorkies, maybe, but not Sandy for that matter. Yey. Sandy is good to go.

This morning, I called MASKargo Animal Hotel to ask them for advice. 1st officer was nice, Mr Sazali. He confirmed that Yorkshire was good to go. I also asked him if it was possible to bring Sandy via MasKargo (i was browsing their website ( http://www.maskargo.com/animalhotel/) and got curious) Note: The Paw Printers migrated via MASKargo. I also asked for procedures and he was great. He gave me all the numbers I need to call and also what to do next.

• First, call up Animal Hotel office to get an Airway Bill number (AWB). (03-8777 1847)
• After that, call up cargo booking/reservation to book a space and to confirm destination. (03-8777 2017)
• Once booking is confirmed, call Animal Hotel again to inform them that reservation booking done. Get info.
• Finally, come about 5 hours before flight to arrange everything at Animal Hotel, Sepang.

Let's continue with my story. After I called Mr Sazali, I called the cargo reservation dept. The guy on the line insisted that Yorkshire cannot fly. He also told me to call Mr Sazali again to confirm, so I did. I told Mr Sazali what happened and he reassured me that Sandy can fly. So, I called reservation again, this time, i spoke to a different officer. This officer was friendlier. At first he told me the same thing, that Terriers cannot fly. I told him that I have spoken to Mr Sazali and already have all the permits done. So he said, in that case, all done and he will refer to Mr Sazali himself. 

So, since i've checked the MASKargo schedule on http://www.maskargo.com/, it already had the flight detail in mind. So when the officer asked for the details, all was easy and ready. Info needed was: Estimated weight (of dog including carrier), Flight details - date and time and since i'll be flying too, he needed my ticket number & reference number), also it would be convenient if I had the carrier dimensions as well for better calculation. After keying in everything, he confirms details with me and then all done. (all by phone)

Sandy's "Flight" ticket aka the AWB in the system. :)

Next, i needed to call Mr Sazali back. I informed him that reservations has been made and confirmed. I also asked for details and how much money to prepare. He did some rought calculations and told be to have about RM250 on standby. 

So far so good. Now all I need is a transporter. To transport Sandy and also me at the same time. 

Sandy the Dog: Migrating - Peninsula to Cat City via MAS

(Ideas of entry "stolen" from Pre-Migration, Migration, Post Migration: Kirby & Sassy’s story by Miss Delirious Writer)

I felt the need to post this, inspired by Jaja, because of the issues i had when trying to bring Sandy home with me. So let me share my experience so others can benefit and learn a thing or two. Sharing is Caring.

Before i begin, some intro. Sandy is a 7 years old Yorkshire Terrier me and my housemates rescued from neglect and mild abuse. She's been staying with us in the apartment for more than 10 months now. My mom decided that it is best if I sent Sandy home to Kuching because back home, we have a landed house and 2 other dogs. Instead of transporting via MASKargo, I have decided to take her together with me on my flight back to Kuching via MAS as excess baggage. BTW, only MAS provides the service to carry along pets as excess baggage on a passenger flight.

Jaja assisted alot throughout the whole thing. Well, she had the experience you see. Little did we know that the procedures have changed.

Checklist:

• Canine/Feline must be more than 6 months old
• Furkid must be vaccinated, given rabies shot and dewormed (optional). Vaccination and Rabies shot is valid for 1 year 
• Furkid must be microchip-ed
• Furkid must be placed in a cage or pet carrier in which your furkid must be able to move around and stand on all four
• Getting a PetPassport (Optional)
• Your expected travel dates
• Booking the quarantine space 
• Health Certificate from DVS (Department of Veterinary Services)
• Import permit (from destination DVS)
• Export permit from MAQIS (Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department)

Note: Always remember, to be safe, always call the respective departments for better clarification to avoid confusion.

Now, let me share with you my experience in the whole process.

I got Sandy a Dog-It Pet Carrier that she fits in nicely. She can stand and move around in it. It's not too big. It looks exactly like the photo below. It was RM96, from Pet Lovers Centre, SS2. (Note: You need to cable tie the cage before flight to ensure that the carrier is not tempered with. Also get a long padlocks to lock the carrier door)

Source: Jaja's Blog.

At the same time, i sent her for a full grooming which costed about rm80. Her fur was too long (although yorkies were meant to have long fur), too long for travel. Needed her fur very short because there is a high chance of her getting fleas when in quarantine. Also short fur means easier maintenance.   

Next, I needed to send her for vaccination etc. I called DVS Selangor but they didn't provide the services so they advised that i do it at a private vet. I decided to look for a vet which also is a registrar for PetPassport. Found a nice vet in Kota Kemuning (altho it was far from where i lived, it was worth the drive). We went to Caring Animal Clinic. The Doctors and Nurses were so friendly. They even allowed me in the treatment room. Since we didn't have Sandy's old health records, it was save to assume that she has not been vaccinated in the past year. The nurse also checked to see if Sandy had any microchip on her. None (not surprised. prev owner wasn't caring enough). Once physical check all done, doctor asked me if I wanted the basic vaccination of full vaccination. I opted for the Full vaccination. Didn't get her explanation but she said it's good. She also explained that there may be side effects, but not common, such as fever, hyper activity, spasm, which can be dangerous for the dog. So, she told us that we should not leave the vet vicinity too soon - just stay for about 15 mins to monitor Sandy should any symptoms appear. (Thank God nothing happened). Vaccine was Canine Distemper-Adenovirus Type 2-Parainfluenza-Parvovirus Vaccine and LCAN-LGRIP-LICT-LPOM Bacterial Extract.

After the vaccination, we proceeded with the microchipping. Had to shave a spot on sandy's neck. The needle was HUGE. Sandy was shocked when the needle pierced her skin. But it was normal. (IMPORTANT NOTE: Furkid cannot bath for a week) Total paid: RM107 (Vaccination - RM 50, Microchip - RM50, petpassport - RM7). I didn't get the passport on that day itself because the Doctor in charge was on leave. So i needed to collect after 1 week.

After checking thru the import/export checklist, i noticed that the Furkid may need rabies shot. So the week after, when i was due to collect the petpassport, i send Sandy for her Rabies shot (Rabisin-R) and also for deworming (Drontal Plus 1/2 tablet). All went smoothly. Same procedure. Need to wait awhile before leaving the vet and the furkid is not allowed to bath for a week. Total paid: RM65

So, with all the health information, I asked Jaja to assist in Kuching to handle the tasks needed on that end. I emailed her the scanned copy of the petpassport (Pet details, vaccination detail, rabies shot detail and deworming detail) for her to take to DVS Sarawak in order to apply for the Import Permit. The Import Permit can be done within one day but in my case, all doctors were away for a conference so we had to wait til they're back. The import permit fee was RM5. The import permit from Sarawak DVS is valid for 60 days. Btw, you MUST book the quarantine space months in advance because it can be full. In my case, we were lucky because Jaja made the call early.

With the import permit in hand, I now can send Sandy to DVS Selangor for check up. This check up is to ensure that Sandy is fit to travel. Once confirmed that she is fit, DVS issues the Health Certificate. This can only done within 7 days before flight because the health cert is only valid for 7 days. I went on a Friday. Just nice because my flight is the coming Thursday. Health cert from DVS was a total of RM50. [DagangNet fee (RM7), Health Cert (RM3), Examination (RM40)] After acquiring the health cert, I was given a reference number. This reference number is my Export permit application no. Next stop is MAQIS. (This is when everything went hair wire)

I was told to got to MAQIS at KLIA. I was supposed to be an easy trip - Stop by, go to their office, give reference number, pay for permit, get permit, all done. BUT due misunderstanding and miscommunication, a simple task became a nightmare. I arrived KLIA MAQIS before 12. We did call in advance to confirm their operating hours (12pm - 3pm break for Friday prayers). So i assumed they would still be open at 1150. HOWEVER, upon arrival, we were told that they have gone out. The police officer also told us that we needed entry pass in order to enter the MAQIS office as their office was in the Arrival Hall. So we went down to security to get our passes. At the security office, we were told that we needed to fill out a form to acquire the pass. and that form can only be taken from the MAQIS office (which, may i remind you, needed the pass to enter) -.-" it was very confusing but the police officers in charge of the security department were very helpful. Since it was already past 12, they told us to wait til 3pm because it was already lunch time and Friday prayers time. So we waited - had KFC for lunch while waiting. Just before 3pm, we went back to the security department. The lady officer gave MAQIS a call. I heard some arguments but tried not to notice. She then passed the phone to me. I told the man on the other line that I wanted to get the export permit. And only then, he told me that I should be going to the MAQIS at Kargo. (Note that we called them a few times in regards to the export permit and this is the 1st time they said it's at the Kargo office). I was confused as i didn't know where it was. The police officer then explained that Kargo refers to the area nearby the former LCCT airport. I was told to go to the Customs Office Building. (NOTE: All matters regarding import/export is done at MAQIS @ Custom's Office KLIA, Level 5. It's open 24 hours, btw).

Before leaving KLIA, I managed to drop by at the info counter to ask about the procedures for the flight day. The reception told me that i need to inform MAS and the airport authorities will be on standby to assist.

We arrived the MAQIS office at 3.30 but was told that the accounts department was doing the closing. I almost cried thinking that i was just a few minutes late. The officer assured me that it's just the changing of shifts (they need to close account before change of shift. note that they have 8 hour shifts on rotation for 24 hours daily). So i needed to wait til 4pm. When my turn came, everything went smoothly. All was done in less than 5 mins. The Export Permit fee was RM40.

So far, all paperwork done. Oh ya, almost forgot. Since i'll be bringing Sandy with my on my flight as excess baggage (poor sandy will be sent as cargo), I had to inform MAS office so they are prepared for the handling. I called the MAS hotline before everything to ask for instructions. So they told me to drop them an email and attach relevant documents. I sent the email to RESVNS@MalaysiaAirlines.com . I included the following details: Flight details, Item to cargo (sandy), total weight of item with carrier and attached the import permit, flight itinerary and also health cert). Also, please ready enough money. Not sure how much til the cargo process. P/s: Do call MAS helpline up to confirm that they received the details. We don't want anyone to be caught off guard now do we?

Now that all those are done, I just need to prep Sandy for the upcoming flight.

When You Were My Man

[Inspired by Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man]

Different bed and it feels more cosier now
Our song on the radio but it don't sound the same
When our friends talk about you, all it does is just tear me down
Cause my heart breaks a little when I hear your name

It all just sounds like oooooh…
Mmm, too young, too dumb to realize

That you should have bought me flowers
And held my hand
Should have gave me all your hours
When you had the chance
Take me to every party
Cause all I wanted to do was dance
But now baby I’m dancing
yes, I’m dancing with another man

your pride, your ego, your needs, and your selfish ways
Caused a nice young love like me to walk out your life
Now we’ll never, never get to clean up the mess we made
but it no longer haunts me when I close my eyes

It all just sounds like oooooh…
Mmm, I’m young, but smart to realize

That you should have bought me flowers
And held my hand
Should have gave me all your hours
When you had the chance
Take me to all the parties
Cause all I wanted to do was dance
But now baby I’m dancing
But I’m dancing with another man

I know it hurts
I’m not the first to say that you were wrong
Oh, I know you’re probably much too late
To try and apologize for the mistakes
But I just want you to know

yes, he buys me flowers
And he holds my hand
And he gives me all his hours
Cause he has the chance
Takes me to all the parties
Cause he remembers how much I love to dance
Does all the things you should have done when you were my man

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Dear AACK,

Above dedicated to you. Its been a long while and this is so overdue.

Why things happened? Basically, the song explains all. Time. That happened. You were there, but not there.

Let me tell you a story that you didn't know and I do hope you recall the incident.

There was one night. I went out drinking. At about 2am I was already too hungover to drive home so I gave you a call. In my mind, at that time, a bf should always be protecting the person he loves, but apparently not in my case. When I called you, you were pissed. I remembered your exact words "what do you want?" I knew I woke you up. But I didn't wanna drive drunk. So I ignored the hurt I felt and asked if you could cone over and send me home (I expected bfs to do so) but instead you got angry at me for waking you up etc. Then I hung up. I wanted to cry. You didn't even bother to know how bad my condition was. Then after telling myself to be stronger, I decided to call NiteHaze. Guess what, he answered calmly. Coz he knows the lagic, if someone calls suddenly in the middle of the night, its usually is an emergency. I told him I drank too much and couldnt drive home. 1st thing he asked after that was if I was okay and he asked where were YOU? So I told him you can't come and pick me. Then he offered to help. He had no car, it was already 3am, and he asked where I was. I told him I would sleep in the car and go home when the sun is up. And then i hung up. I fell asleep and woke when I heard tapping on my window. I thought it was the police, when I looked out, he was standing there, with his bike and it was drizzling. I was shocked. He said he couldn't just stay home knowing i was alone in my car in a vacant area so he came. It was 330am. He asked if i wanted to get a room to stay in for the night but i said no, I didn't have that much money. So he decided to drive me home instead but then how would he go home after? So I asked him if I could stay at his place til morning. He said ok and left his bike somewhere safe and drove us to his house. I was asleep all the way. He aided me to his room and I slept on his bed. He watched over me all night long. When I woke, he was ready to go to work. He said he slept on the floor. Poor guy. Sanggup eh. Then I dropped him off to work. The irony, he was not my bf yet he was willing to go all the way for me and my bf at that time didn't seem to give a damn.

All the time I feel abandoned by you, I would speak to him and he will always console me and reassured that you must have been busy etc. You do know that me and him used to be together right? Yet, he doesn't mind hanging out with you. Such a pure heart.

Many ppl question why I do so much for you but not you for me. Yet someone who is not even with me could do much more. At that time, I didn't think of it much. Until the day he passed. That's when I felt so lonely. And I realize I no longer have someone to protect me. You were already far away, and even when you were near, you felt far.

I admit, I started to drift away from US. There were just too many times I felt alone even though you were next to me. Then I ended it. I did it for my sake and for yours. Yes I was being selfish and it was the right thing to do. No point in being together when all I felt was emptiness.

As per the song above, I am dancing with someone now. And he has been wonderful. It is complicated. But TIME, he has for me. No plans of settling down coz that idea just makes me remember promises made before and then broken. So we're  just living our lives day to day.

But I do wish you the best and I am proud of your achievements. You have gone much further than from before and that's great.

As for me, hopefully I will be able to pursue my MBA in 2016. It has been a long journey with UUM.
I do hope you find someone who can understand you better. And please please please, do not repeat your mistake. As tough as a girl may be, she is still a girl and will still want attention. Keep that in mind.

To sign off, the love was there. But as I have said before, love is not enough.

Thank you for time spent. Will always be part of my memories.

Take care and God bless.

-once, your bunny.

a brand new feather.. a brand new book...

simple acts and gestures does go a long way... only if you take a chance in life.

he captured my attention when he walked me to my car one drizzly evening. it was one of the sweetest thing anyone has ever done to me... i felt loved, cared for.

I know things are moving very fast this time. But it's going the right way. There were unexpected moments, so special so.... wonderful. And there were unexpected tears, tears of knowing what might come.

I remember the 1st time he held my hand. We were at the movies. He just took my hand and I let him. He felt warm. Something I've not felt in a while. It was when he put his arms around me that I melted.

We spent almost everyday together after that. Just enjoying each other's company. Hanging out, talking about all kinda things. It was good. Fresh.

One day we went up a tower. It was nice and breezy. He held me tight and tried to steal a kiss but I pushed him away. I told him I was not ready, not at that very place. I could see the shock and guilt in his eyes, his very brown eyes. We didn't talk much on our way back to the car.

I love wrapping my arms around him and smelling his deo. Smelt sweet but manly. Like him. Tall, sweet and .... HIM. His cheesyness is just Retro. Such chivalry. Which I was missing in my life before.

Too much lovey dove stuff has been written so I must stop here, for now. This particular post has been in my draft since Feb 2013. We've been together ever since. From hometown and in a land far from home. Going strong I hope. So far so good. We are still adapting and learning. Step by step getting used to living together. Learning something new about each other all the time. Sometimes, unexpected things. Which is good.

I am thankful and blessed. I know I said the same about my exs, but he is different. Perhaps, I will finally get to walk down the aisle. Hear the wedding bells celebrating our union. Its a dream I hope will come true but its too soon to say. Well, one can dream, can't I?

Signing off, it feels good to be able to write and blog again.

Nanite~

How Time Flies

It has been so long since my last post. More than a year perhaps, I didn't check.

Updates:
Started a new life book. Miles away from home with Hachi. We've been together for more than a year now and things seems to be going great so far. Every step taken now is of a different angle and with wiser heart. hahaha... I hope.

It's been what, more than 2 years since I lost my dragonfly, the ink to my feather. No more black veil but I can't deny that I do miss time spent. I do think of him quite often especially when something reminded me of him. I know he's watching over me like he always does. ;)

I've got to be more strict about my life this time. No more huha-ing around. More serious. I'm not getting any younger although my heart refuses to grow old. A few goals I would like to achieve and do as of 2014. Among which are:
+ travel within and outside the country
+ complete my tertiary education and pursue the next level
+ build my side income generating business
+ get a new car (perhaps)
+ get a house
+ settle down in the near future? ::This needs alot of thinking on both ends, if the other end acknowledges my existence:: (irony, about two years ago, people would have thought that I'd be settling down with him-who-shall-not-be-named. But lust got the better of him and I'm kinda glad. Spark was going awry and everything was going downhill like an avalanche)

So many goals that I can't mention yet. It's a long list. Perhaps in my next post (God knows when I'll be doing that).

As for now, I can say, I am thankful to God that I am with Hachi. He is a breath of fresh air. A more gentleman and a more MAN than anyone else ever were. He would stay up and attend to me when I'm down with the flu and fever. He'd even walk far to buy the take-outs that I yearn. Despite his blurriness and immaturity, he is, by far, the most caring of all.

To sign off, I think this post is just the beginning of more post.