Accomplishments, Thank You's, and Good-byes

Once again it has been a productive week, one of marking things off the "to do"list. Many things have been accomplished. We finally had to opportunity to sit down with a calendar and take a look at deadlines. All pending deadlines will be completed by August 23. We have booked passage for August 25 to Guayaquil; this includes Nikolas. Mick has made a reservation for that night at the Hilton and Carlos will pick us up on the morning of August 26 to take us to Cuenca. We're coming home!

After booking the tickets, arrangements had to be made to get the documentation for Nikolas. In order to import a pet into Ecuador, there is a 10 day window that must be adhered to. First, there is a physical, along with a health certificate that must be done by a USDA certified vet. The health certificate, along with shot records and a $35 fee, must be endorsed by the USDA. This must then be legalized by the Ecuadorian Embassy for a fee of $50. From the time the documentation is begun until Nick sets foot in Ecuador, it can be no more than 10 days.

After reviewing the required vaccines, there was one that was unfamiliar, the corona vaccine. I called Stoney Creek and was told that they no longer administer that because the disease had been irradicated. Because he MUST have this, they assured me that they would find the vaccine and have it by the next day.

Nick received his vaccination on Friday. On August 16, he has his exam and papers done first thing in the morning. Mick and I have an appointment that afternoon in Raleigh at the USDA. Previously we have dealt with the embassy in Washington, however, there is a consular office in Atlanta. Mick said that it would be better if I hand deliver the documents to the embassy. Once again, I spoke with Marco Farfan at the embassy in DC, who assured me that no appointment was necessary. I also had a call into Atlanta that was not returned. However, the consul did call this afternoon and said that she could take care of it and set up an appointment for August 18.

Nick's friend, Coco, came over on Thursday evening along with his Mom for a little romp. Nick was obviously unaffected by the stress his Mom had dealt with regarding him that afternoon.

Stoney Creek Animal Hospital has been such a part of our lives for a number of years; however, since adopting Nick, it has become more so. The staff are not only employees of the clinic, but we consider them our friends. An essential part of the clinic, Dennis Rapp, who has served as hospital manager for the past 7 1/2 years, resigned this week and his last day was yesterday. Anytime that we've been away, Dennis has graciously kept us up to date with Nick and even sent pictures. Dennis has done what ever has been needed of him in order for the clinic to run smoothly, from business affairs to spraying the trees for cankor worms. He will be greatly missed.

There was a send off for Dennis and his wife, Stacie, last night at Wild Wings Cafe-University. Most of the staff was present and Mick and I had been invited. Below is Sarah and her husband, Chris, as they were leaving.

Of course, Renee and her husband, Larry were there.

At the end of the table are the guests of honor.

This is Dr. Rick Beldegreen, the owner of Stoney Creek. Rick is a talented surgeon, a member of World Vets and has conducted spay-neuter clinics in Central America. He has just returned from Ecuador and the Galapagos.

This is Linda, one of the vet techs that has been so dear to us in difficult times. Linda loves to travel also.

Robin, Cheryl, DJ, Angie, and Sandra, all of these have helped take care of Nick at sometime or other, as well as Jake.

This is Stacie and Dennis. Someone once said that home is in the heart,not a place on a map. Stacey's heart is in Pennsylvania, which is where her family is. They have purchased a 1909 farm house to rennovate. Surprisingly, they are actually moving next week. Mick and I wish them the very best. They have an open invitation to visit us in Cuenca. We're expecting them in the spring.

The affair took place on the terrace. The day had been typically sweltering. Mick looks a bit wilted.

The picture below is of Joanna Gelfman and Jill Pascarella, Nick's vet. Both are expecting. Good luck to both!

This is Sandra, Nicole, and Susan. Guess who are twins.

Sipping the soda is Amanda, who works in daycare. She is so kind and gentle.

Standing is Angie, a vet tech, who has always been there for our puppies' problems. We had been drinking Baby Guiness's. Sandra was finishing one.

The evening was fun and Mick and I were happy to have been included. These are people that we see every day that have become a part of our lives. All of them are invited to visit us in Cuenca. We will always have an open door because they all have very special jobs. They take care of those little guys who can't speak for themselves.

Throughout life, we encounter people that enter our lives for a short time. Sometime even though it is brief, it is deep. The staff of Stoney Creek will be missed by us, but we are focusing on all those new relationships that we will develop through the years in the next phase of our lives in Ecuador.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy