Sooty and Smudge fly to Seattle

Bugs Mom · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:58 am

Angels to the rescue! Thank goodness there were GLers in the area to help.

slavetofuzzy · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 10:08 am

I didn't realize they were listed as emergency contacts. I thought it was all arranged last minute when ilumari's flights were delayed. Thank goodness for planning ahead!

capybara · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 1:58 pm

The boys ate that whole pile of hay you see in the photos yesterday evening, and all of their pellets. We refilled their hay before we went to bed. I'm a little worried they haven't been drinking. The water level has not gone down at all. Maybe they aren't used to a bottle? They had a water tray in their carrier, but when I showed it to them empty, they ignored it and didn't look like they expected it to be filled with water in it to drink. They did have a nice pile of veggies last night, so I hope that was enough water for them.

They're still getting on each others' cases a little bit, squealing and nosing off. I'm guessing they aren't used to a cage this size. It's the largest Marchioro, but still smaller than a 2x3. I wish we had enough extra grids and coroplast to throw together a larger cage for them upstairs.

To clarify, we actually weren't listed as an official emergency contact. I'm not sure if ilumiari was able to contact the pet people before she boarded her flight to let them know what was happening, but when Mr. Capybara called and explained what was going on, they didn't seem to think it was a problem. I was a little worried that they released Sooty and Smudge to us so easily, but then again, we had ilumiari's name, knew she had two guinea pigs, where she was coming from, and that she was delayed. Hopefully someone looking out to steal animals wouldn't go to that much trouble. Plenty of other places to get guinea pigs from, sadly.

We haven't heard from ilumiari yet, but I hope everything is going well. If you're sleeping because you're exhausted, no worries! We'll be home today and the few errands we have to run are close enough to our place that if you call we'll be able to get back quickly.

Feylin · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:33 pm

Oh, I thought she emailed with Capybara a few times and then called the airport?

I'd hope so! lol. I'm pretty sure that they don't just release them to any one.

capybara · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:55 pm

Yes, we did e-mail back and forth a couple times trying to figure out what to do. But since we weren't sure what was going to happen once the pigs arrived or what condition they'd be in, I wasn't able to tell ilumiari we were going to end taking the pigs. I suggested it before knowing for sure we'd be able to take them, but didn't get confirmation because I think she had already boarded her flight. There was no way for us to contact her by phone. I'm not sure if ilumiari was able to contact the people at the airport or not.

Feylin · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:59 pm

I think she had to have, in order for you to be able to just show up and get the pigs.

clairey · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:37 pm

I had a look at their Chronicle and they definitely usually have a bottle. Pic in this post

ilumiari · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:40 pm

You are an angel! Thank you so much! I'm on the flight to Seattle now, shaking from sleep deprivation but so relieved everything is ok. As soon as I arrive I'll try to pick up a sim card and call you, you are just amazing!

slavetofuzzy · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:59 pm

And we are glad you are finally in the States! You need sleep. Take care of yourself.

Feylin · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 4:04 pm

Your pigs are in excellent hands! SO glad you made it over. :)

capybara · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 4:24 pm

Yes!! Glad to hear you've made it to the US safely and are almost here. I'm glad you're ok with our decision to have Sooty and Smudge delivered to us rather than the boarding place. Please do call when you can, but don't worry about rushing. We don't mind caring for our visitors for as long as we need to while you get situated.

ilumiari · Post » Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:24 pm

I'm safely in Bellevue now, wondering where I get food not smothered in sugar and fat :) I'm waiting for my sim card application to get approved, and I've been searching for grids but no luck so far. I didn't risk driving home from the airport, but I'll pick up a hire car tomorrow which will let me widen my search.

I am currently acutely aware of my Australian accent. I am having more trouble than I care to admit carrying on conversations sometimes!