cleared for takeoff

Parker is now fully and officially free to fly, but it has not been neither easy nor inexpensive to get to this point. Thank heavens it has all worked out because I don't know what we would do without our

editor,

workout buddy,

sewing companion,

watchman,

lion hunter,

sandpapery kisser,

taste tester,

 and blog assistant.

One microchip (how very Jason Bourne), rabies shot, deworming treatment, physical exam, signature and stamp from the USDA Federal Veterinarian in Hartford, new airline approved crate, South African Airways plane reservation, fully completed South African import permit, and several hundred dollars later he is ready to leave. I hope they serve him some nice refreshments on the plane and the traveller next to him doesn't hog the armrest!