The Story
of "Madam Joy" aka "Ms.Grey" aka "Joy out
of Africa" ...
Of all the crazy
things ever done... this has to top them all ...
The Idea
...
Joy had
planned a visit to Caryl for sometime now, and at the end of
December 2000 she made the decision that she would go and visit
Caryl in March 2001 and surprize her for her Birthday. This was
the beginning of what would become a journey not to be forgotten.
The
Present ...
|
Joy
wanted to give Caryl something special, as their
friendship had grown over the last 2 years and they had
become very close. At this time one of Joy's bitches had
been studded and was expecting puppies. The mad rush had
Joy running around to get things sorted out. When the
puppies were eventually born her tasks began of caring for
them, making sure they were looked after by Gina (the
puppies Mom) and late nights became the order of the day.
Time to go around and shop became less and less, and time
was running out.
After much
deliberation Joy decided to take one of Gina's puppies to
Caryl. This is where the fun started. The picture on the
right was taken when Caryl visited Joy in South Africa.
|
Getting
the trip organized ...
|
Joy
called the airlines to enquire and at some stage they must
have thought that she was crazy. Who on earth wanted to
take a puppy on board the plane with them? Puppies and any
livestock went into cargo, and that was it. Yet Joy was
determined that the puppy would go onboard with her. Being
a long trip, 11 hours from Johannesburg to Zurich, 9 hours
from Zurich to Miami, and 2 hours from Miami to
Jacksonville, a total of 22 hours flying was a lot for a
puppy to endure.
So the
decision was finally made. The puppy was going. The puppy
was taken to the vet, the state vet inspected and approved
the papers, and it was set.
During this
time, Joy had made known to Caryl that she was coming over
to her, and Caryl was like an expectent mother awaiting
Joy to be there with her. Caryl even at one stage told Joy
to bring over a puppy, as she had known that Gina had
pups. Joy tried to avoid the issue with Caryl as far as
possible as many uncertaintities still existed becuase Joy
was not sure if the puppy would meet the weight limit set
by the airline. So not to get Caryl's hopes up and spoil
the surprize, Joy tried to avoid talking about it. |
Pre - Trip
...
|
The
time came for Joy to take Caryl her gift. Ms. Grey was
then groomed and her special container was aquired as one
can see from the pic on the left. Puppy groomed and in its
container, Joy was ready for her adventure. She was as
nervous as one could be but that did not deter her. Caryl
was getting one of her pups, and that was it.
The plane
left Johannesburg International Airport at 2300 on 8
March. Joy was nervous and all excited as well. The puppy
on the other hand was peaceful in its container, as if
nothing was happening around her. Ahead lay a flight of
about 11 hours, but the decision was made, way to late to
turn back now.
|
In Flight
...
|
So
off they went. Much to Joy's disgust Ms. Grey was taken
away from her for the take off but was returned soon
thereafter.
She was
such a good baby and everyone loved her. Let's be honest
here, how many doggies have you seen on an airoplane in
your lifetime? Well, for me none, this was a first I'd
even heard of.
Ms. Grey
never made a noise, never caused any hassles, a real lady
she was, but also like a little baby not knowing much what
was going on around her. When she wanted to sleep, on
Joy's lap is where she slept.
During the
flight, the Flight attendants made some extra room for Ms.
Grey on the floor, and Joy spent more time on the floor
than in her seat with Ms. Grey, making sure she was
comfortable and Ok. |
Zurich
airport ...
|
Touch
down at Zurich Airport and a short while in transit before
boarding the flight to Miami.
Off they
went to the powder room, they are both ladies, so they had
to powder their noses and freshen up a bit.
Ms. Grey
needed to have exercise, as well as Joy needed to flex her
muscles. The first part of the trip was finished and so
far everything had went well...
On the
other side of the globe, Caryl was awaiting the visit of
Joy, and had no idea what Joy was bringing over to
her.
So off
these two went again on board Swiss Air Flight SR 116
|
The Story of Ms.
Grey continued...
Miami Airport ...
Arrival
at Miami Airport, where the transit time was the longest.
This was a time to let Ms. Grey out and let her play a
bit. Joy also needed to relax, so this stop was a good one
and her nerves were building as well. Would Caryl like the
pup? How would the pup take to Caryl etc etc, were all
thoughts going through her mind at that time. But deep
down she knew Caryl would love the little one.
So before the flight to Jacksonville, Joy gave Ms. Grey a
good brushing so that she would look her best for her new
mom. |
Meeting
new mom Caryl ...
|
Caryl
was ecstatic to see Joy to say the least, but even more so
the Pup. My gosh, of all the things she had expected for a
birthday gift, this would rate as one of the best ever.
The journey
was worth it for Joy. To see the expression on her friend
Caryl's face was worth much more than anything in the
world.
|
For
full story and pictures follow the link to Joy's breeder!
http://www.mingtjouhome.tk/
You're listening to "Can You Feel The Love" |
