Grand Place, Brussels - December 2008
We can fly again with no problems!!
Last December we went over to Brussels for the weekend - the little man went to school there for one year when he was just four years old. He attended the International School of Brussels - and split his day between a mainstream class and their Special Education Department. The school were fantastic and we have always kept in touch - we're back home six years this summer! Time flies!!
Anyway, travelling back and forth to Brussels used to be incredibly stressful for the little man, all the crowds, the noise - the family dreaded every flight they had to take. The change in routine, the unfamiliarity of a new environment were extremely stressful and the little man was always, always sick.
That all changed when I arrived, two a half years ago, and now flying is a pleasure (or it should be). We're flown Dublin - Malaga and back no problem but flying Dublin to Brussels a few weeks ago became a bit of a nightmare! We had promised the school in Brussels that we would visit - they were really keen to see the little man and to hear about the Assistance Dog programme.
We got out of Dublin (after a lot of discussions - although we had booked and checked and re-checked with Special Assistance - Aer Lingus!) but trying to fly home three days later from Zaventem airport was stressful (to say the least). The check-in desk refused to check us in! Aer Lingus out source their check-in staff now and the young lady absolutely refused to even discuss the matter with us. We had flown over on Aer Lingus on the Thursday evening, so obviously if Aer Lingus accepted us on the way over - they would now take us back to Dublin!
After speaking with a supervisor, a manager, handling agents etc - we were eventually allowed to board the plane. The little man was sick - stress is really difficult for him to handle - and all the benefits of having me with him were quickly disappearing ......
On arrival in Dublin - the Dept of Agriculture vet was not there - he needs to check my pet passport and scan my micro-chip - and check the prior approval form - but no vet! Eventually, a colleague from the Dept agreed to scan me and sign the forms. We got out of the airport but the idea of having to fly again with all that hassle was not appealing ....
Under new EU legislation brought into force in July 2008 - it is meant to be easier for service animals to fly - but you wouldn't know it!
Anyway, we heard from Aer Lingus Customer Service yesterday - they have absolutely guaranteed us it won't happen again - that all relevant staff have been informed - and gave us two complimentary flights on any of their European routes! So, will we chance it again - well, we'll let you know what happens if we do!!
Pepper Canister Church, Dublin - Fundraising Service for Guide Dogs
Fundraising walk in Cabinteely Park for Guide Dogs - that's me on the left, Clint on the right!
Calming our nerves before an appearance on Ireland AM - breakfast show on TV3 - we were in studio to promote the annual Shades campaign for Guide Dogs!
Okay, a certain little man in the house insisted that the fish say
and this is a blue one with a yellow fin ....
