Jake had to say goodbye to Solha over the weekend as she begins her long journey to the United States.
He packed her up in a crate to be transported to the rescue agency in another Afghan city, where she’ll spend the next 30 days or in some kind of quarantine and hopefully be spayed. Jake sent along her collar, a short leash, Frontline, the rest of her Amoxicillin and a note that — um, yeah, eh — this dog can scramble over an 8 foot high fence. How’s the weather up there?
Does this look like a dog bursting with jubilation? I can’t imagine what’s going through her head right now. Fear, indifference, irritation? Perhaps she’s thinking, I’m going to miss hanging out on the dirt corner with the other semi-wild Afghan dogs, scaling fences, killing rats, eating plastic bottles and stuff. Those were the days!
Whatever her thought process, she has no idea the world that awaits….to soon be arriving in a country where people dress their precious pooches in miniature clown wear, give them antidepressants and feed them gluten-free Kibbles & Bits. She may wonder, Is this heaven…..or hell? And don’t even think about making me wear that stupid doggie cape! (To be fair, rural Virginia is a long way from the dog park outside a luxurious retirement community in Coral Gables.)
Jake will be in close contact with the rescue agency to keep track of Solha’s status over the next month. I’ll be turning over the funds this week which will cover the cost of her care and transit to the United States.
Once again, we couldn’t have done any of this without the support and consideration of readers. You guys made all of this possible — thank you again….a thousand times, thank you!
See you sooner or later on this side of the pond, Solha. A lot of people will be looking out for you.
All original content © 2012 by Jessie Knadler
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
hooray! awesome news that the journey is finally underway!
Travel safe,Solha!I’m also on my way to the stateside,see you there:)!
While reading this, I felt a combination of REALLY excited and kinda nervous. I’m sure she just has no idea what is going on and is scared and is going to miss Jake. Please keep updating us, because I know all of us are anxious about her journey!
I am SO excited for Solha and can’t wait for the post where you are picking her up! Do you have any clothes of Jake’s (or can he send you a dirty shirt or something) that has his scent on it that you can give her when she makes it here?
The good news is that it looks like you have about 5-6 weeks to be prepared for her arrival!.. I know she can scale the fences.. but how about a dog pen with a roof over the top? Even something like cattle pannels wired over the top of a 12×12 pen would probably do the trick.. the other worry would be her digging out.. but you can also lay wire below the pen.. and attach it to the bottom.. then cover with shavings. That should hold her for a little while.. you probably could even set it up so you could water and feed her from the outside.. so you wouldn’t have to deal with her escapades alone!
And so the adventure begins – this is great news and we all hope and pray that all goes well. Solha is coming to a much better place and now what is needed is patience and preparation. Jesse – everyone is very proud of what you and Jake are doing. Keep the faith.
This is some adventure—you’re getting plenty of good advice so I’ll cheer quietly from the sidelines…yea!
Thought for containing Solha – in order to keep my german shepherd from climbing out of my 6ft high kennel, I put a chain link metal tube (you could also use lumber) down the center of my 12×12 kennel, and used two lengths of 6ft chain link across the top, and fastened them tight all the way around the top. Voila, instant lid. For the bottom, in case she digs, lay more wire (doesn’t have to be as heavy as chain link), fasten it to the bottom rail of the kennel, then put 6 inches or so of dirt or gravel over it. If she starts to dig, she’ll hit the wire and stop real quick!
I also built a kennel with wooden posts and 2x4in welded wire up against my garage, that might be cheaper. If you want more details, let me know and I’ll happily send pictures or a sketch.
Great news – and the picture of Jake and Solha is priceless…
This makes me so happy! Safe travels, Solha!
she’s going to need a sweater! she’s going to be so chilly here!
Such great news that she’s on her way. No escaping this time. Our best from NJ.
Jessie, you said that Jake would be coming home soon, too…is this sooner than was expected?
Hi Uncle Mike: We’re hearing that Jake should be home sometime in April….always subject to change (it’s the army!).
Hi! I found a link to your blog on fb, from someone linked with Nowzad. I just got my husband’s dog about a month ago from Afghanistan. Chuck is still a puppy, mostly, albeit a huge one, and didn’t really have to fight to survive where my husband is. Are they really making you keep her in a shelter for the quarantine? They just sent Chuck straight here; nobody ever said anything. I kept him quarantined (kind of) here at my house for the first month just in case, but nobody official told me to or came by. Anyway if you have questions just ask. I have only lived with him for a month but maybe I could help you out. If you want to see pics and stuff you can search for “bringchuckhome”, all one word, on facebook.
Hi Kim: Wow, I’m surprised by the low-key nature of Chuck’s journey home. Awesome! I’ll look for him on Facebook. And I’m quite certain I’ll have a few questions once Solha arrives. Thanks!
I’m sending positive vibes for happy and safe travels.
I’m so excited that the journey has begun!
Out here in the wild west, the ranch stores all sell enclosed dog runs … usually something like 6 x 10 — a big chain link box with a door in the front. Kind of expensive though …
Jessie…I’m so excited for you…been watching this since Solha came into Jake’s life over there like the rest of the folks. I understand your apprehension and excitement. Sounds appropriate to me for the kind of dog you’re hearing about.
Perhaps now would be a good time to talk to a dog trainer? Someone local that may be able to give you some good hints on how to adjust such a dog to a new place after such an ordeal. I love the suggestion about Jake’s dirty shirt! That’s a super good idea!
Not sure where you’re located in Virginia, but here’s a site for some trainers who have passed the rigors of the Certification Council of Professional Dog Training – a very reputable organization whose members can assist with behavior issues which you may have simply from the major changes she’s going to go through in the next 5-6 weeks. It’s a lot for a human being to go through major surgery and a move…she’s changing countries, being taken away from Jake, quarantine, flying on a plane, meeting new dogs at the Nowzad shelter…YIKES…so, a bit of a handful might be expected.
http://www.ccpdt.org/index.php?option=com_certificants&task=directory&state=VA
Just saw on Facebook that Nowzad had several feet of snow fall…so I think Afghanistan has interesting weather. Also, saw on there several dogs being sent home today or tomorrow since it’s about 630am there on Tuesday already. So, hopefully we’ll see photos of Solha on Facebook!
Keep us all updated!
Rose
Thanks for the info…and for your concern, Roze! I’ll definitely check out CCPDT org!
Jesse,
Awwwwe! Deep breath! So glad that she is on her way. Praying for her that she makes it safely to the USA…Praying for Jake as he sends his friend ahead and that he will stay safe until they are reunited and for you and June, that you may stay strong!
Thanks for all of the updates!
Audrey