Day 1!

Departure day arrived with a bang. The last 48 hours were pure chaos — back and forth with the vet trying to get Doc's USDA certificate, on hold for hours with the ISDA call center, frantically packing and trying to find a backup solution if Doc’s paperwork didn’t come through. In the end, it just didn't come through. So we audibled: Tiffani stepped in to dog-sit, an absolute lifesaver, and Doc happily bundled up with her and his best friend Calvin, no doubt living his own best life while we started ours abroad.

By the time we made it to the United Lounge, the boys had already declared victory — plates piled with noodles and wraps, tablets out. Off to the plane for a comfy flight. Our large minibus scheduled for nine bags and an enormous dog crate from the airport to the apartment canceled at the last minute while we were in Frankfurt on our layover. So we pleaded with a couple of taxi drivers to cram in all 9 suitcases and we were off to the apartment.