I'm approved! And other worries...

We got notification last week that I'm officially command sponsored! I'm really surprised that it happened so quickly, especially since so many people are moving overseas this summer. I assume it's because it's just me coming and we have no children, so that probably sped up the process. All I know is I'm so relieved that it's over with.

I had my passport appointment yesterday and that went pretty good. The lady who I had the appointment with wasn't the friendliest but most government workers aren't super friendly, ya know? I already have a tourist passport but we have to apply for a "no fee passport" which is basically like a visa. It allows me to stay in Germany for three years instead of 90 days like the tourist passport. It should be here within 6 weeks which gives me enough time before my flight in July.

Speaking of flights, I officially booked my flight from Seattle to Germany. I've got two layovers before I land in Germany. I'm so nervous! And it's not because I'm flying by myself. I've done that plenty of times. It's because my dog has to fly cargo. Ugh. My dog is my fur child. Literally. He is my world. I love that little guy more than anything in this universe. The travel office booked me on a United Airlines flight because they have the PetSafe program, which claims to keep your pet safe from hot and cold temperatures by placing them in air conditioned cargo areas and vans when transporting your pet to and from the plane. Sounds like a good program. And it might be. But when I googled the program, there were a few stories that popped up about people's dog's dying on their United flight. I'm sure there are many animals that land safe and alive but I can't help but worry that my dog might end up like the others. The two layovers make me super nervous too because my dog has never flown on a plane and I don't want to stress him out even more. I know worrying won't make it any better so I'm trying to not overthink it. Just send good vibes and prayers my way, ok?!

Before I go, I'll leave you with a picture of my little family with our fur child, Kratos.

Posing for a picture on our hike at Wahkeena Falls, OR

See ya next time!

P.S.: Has anyone flown their pet through the United Airlines PetSafe program? What were your experiences? Any advice?

-Kelly