I’m so sorry about your dad. That sounds like a tremendously difficult situation and I appreciate you sharing. I am glad we moved but yes, the reality of life is hitting very hard right now.

This is a great write up. I recently moved with two dogs and finding a flight that would work was insanely difficult. I ended up flying Air France direct from LAX to Paris, then renting a car and driving the rest of the way (I live in Eindhoven). Air France allows dogs on ALL flights, so none of the specific-airplane-type hassle of KLM.

Also for anyone planning a move and reading this, tire your dog out in the days leading up to travel. We were bike-running the dogs quite a bit in the 3-4 days before, and the day before the flight we spent the day at the dog beach. One of my dogs was so tired that at the airport he got in the crate before we had it fully put together and went right to sleep. ALSO HAVE NAIL CLIPPERS ON YOU because you have to zip tie the crate shut so nail clippers will let you easily get your dog out at your destination.