Written by PETport Marketing Manager – Anysha Roberts
Jimmy and Bonnie Marshall, two South African-born Scottish Terriers, recently caused quite a stir on social media as the first clients to successfully be relocated to their new home in New Zealand since what’s now known as March, BC (Before Corona).
Jimmy and Bonnie’s family relocated in January 2020 after checking their beloved dogs into BKC Pet Boarding in Benoni. But, what was initially supposed to be a two-month stay until departure after receipt of their test results, turned into a seven-month wait due to the pandemic.
The Scotties checked into our partner kennels and cattery where they developed an amazing relationship with their head pet handler, Piason. BKC Pet Boarding understands how important routine is in the lives of fur babies and worked consistently with Jimmy and Bonnie, providing them with a sense of love, family, care, health and wellness. They sent weekly pictures and videos of daily playtime sessions and even had a special birthday party for Jimmy and Bonnie while in their care!
In May 2020, a limited number of airline carriers opened up flight routings, but, to our dismay, Qantas (the only airline offering direct flights) announced that they wouldn’t be touching the skies until November 2020 and were under a full embargo.
Then, in late June, Emirates Airline came to the rescue: they announced a three-day flight plan from Johannesburg via Dubai and Bangkok to Auckland for live animal travel. Quite a journey but worth it to reunite these patient dogs with their family.
With careful planning, Bev, their International Consultant, arranged final vet checks, documentation and booking of quarantine and flights. Jimmy and Bonnie were all set to leave South Africa on the 4th of August. They successfully arrived in Dubai at 04h30 AM on the 5th of August where DKC (Dubai Kennels and Cattery) handled their transit care. The next day, they tackled the next leg of their journey, making their way to Auckland, New Zealand, arriving in quarantine on the 7th of August. It was quite a big journey for two small but plucky dogs.
All transiting animal stations and Pet Haven Quarantine in Auckland provided the best care for these fur babies until they were joyfully reunited with their family on the 17th of August 2020. We at PETport were honoured to be a part of this journey and commend the Marshalls for keeping their family together.
Being separated during this pandemic hasn’t been easy for many families across the world. We thank the Marshalls, Jimmy and Bonnie for being an absolute joy to work with. Even during the most stressful times they remembered we are a team!
Cindi Marshall, Jimmy and Bonnie’s mom, shares…
We couldn’t have asked for a better company or bunch of people to look after our precious fur kids.
We received excellent service and communication all the time (even with our country time differences). PETport were always available or would respond to our messages as soon as they could.
Jimmy and Bonnie were shown tender love and care all the time and spoilt with treats. Outside groomers were even arranged for them on our request, just showing us how far they’re always willing to go for their customers.
Once our fur kids were on their flight home to us, I had a slight panic attack. PETport and Beverly Patchappen, Pet Relocation Specialist, rushed to my aid, even phoning me in New Zealand to reassure me that everything was fine and that our fur kids were doing well (this is very rare for most companies to do, but, as animal lovers, PETport understands their customers’ emotions).
Our fur kids are happy, healthy and were taken such good care of – at the end of the day that’s what’s most important to us.
Nothing was ever too much trouble; PETport are all simply the BEST!
