The deal is sealed.

Yeah. I think this transport thing's got legs. First BIG transport under my belt!

It was challenging and tiring, but so rewarding! Tabby Tales Rescue, with the help of the Underground Tailroad, established a partnership with Salem Animal Rescue League in gorgeous New Hampshire. About two weeks ago, 12 southern kitties were selected from area rescues/shelters and the community to make a great journey north. Over 1,000 miles and 16 hours. About a week ago, I met with another Tabby Tales volunteer, who I'd never met, to discuss logistics of the drive.

For a transport like this one, the aim is to drive straight through without stopping. It's daunting, but there isn't really a hotel that will welcome you in with 12 cats and kittens in tow. So, employ 2 drivers, nap up, and power through the night to deliver the furry passengers when the shelter opens in the morning! Thankfully, my helper driver was of like mind-only stop when gas is needed, take care of food, toilet, etc. at that time as well. Simpatico. Easy-peasy! 

Wellllllll....the drive was tough. Even well rested staying up all night is challenging. We left Savannah at 3pm, and I manned the wheel until midnight. Wouldn't ya know it? The crate of kittens we chose to put behind the driver seat were a-fussing and a-feudin' with each other almost the entire ride! We had a little shelf set up in there to give them more space, and one of the little "angels" was angrily guarding that 2nd floor all for himself! It was adorably funny for the first 6 hours. Then, he chose to diarrhea up there (instead of in the litterbox) and stunk up THE WHOLE van! So much for stopping only when we need gas! 🤮 

Lessons learned for next time: 

1) Pack long-handled toys to distract/entertain passengers from the front seats.

2) Pack wipes/paper towels. (TG for stocked gas station bathrooms!)

3) Pack empty trash bags for soiled linens and trash.

We hit NYC at 4am, and it was STILL a nightmare. I was co-pilot and equally as tense as my partner behind the wheel. She was so frazzled, that once we were safely into Connecticut, she pleadingly asked me to take the wheel again. I had not slept enough, but I could see in her eyes, she was DONE. So I rallied. A few calisthenics in the bathroom, smack the cheeks, cold water in the eyes, large french vanilla coffee-alright! Two more hours. Let's knock it out.

We arrived safely at the shelter right on time. We were welcomed warmly by shelter staff and volunteers, while I relished in the huge snow drifts piled in all corners of the parking lot, and embraced the frigid temperatures. Heaven! It was all hands on deck to off-load our feline cargo.

Welcome to New England, little one.

Waiting their turn.

Trading in a travel crate for a kennel crate.
Only until your quarantine is up, kids!

Stretching their legs after a long ride!

A tough goodbye. Sweet Maddie (on top),
with Tabby Tales Rescue over a year.

Little restless boogers still being ornery.

Kitties safely delivered, my co-pilot and I found the closest hotel, checked in, and hit those beds like toppled statues! We slept hard and deep until evening. We got up long enough to enjoy a steak dinner at a local restaurant, then it was back to bed! 😄 We. were. BEAT.

Lesson learned:

4) Two people is not enough to split a 16+ hour drive. 

"I would like one of each, please."

The next day we were up at the crack of dawn to get an early start as my co-pilot was going all the way back to Savannah in one shot! I was being dropped off in Pennsylvania so I could visit family. I drove first until my drop off point, then my co-pilot was on her own for the next 12 hours. Godspeed! My mom had packed her a goodie bag of ham sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, oranges, juices, waters, and Christmas cookies for the trip. Can't take the "mom" out of moms! 💗 My co-pilot didn't arrive back in Savannah until 2am! I feel guilty sitting here well rested and enjoying family time. So, so grateful to her for doing this transport with me. This definitely feels like the start of something meaningful! Fingers crossed these 12 little lives will find their forever homes ASAP! Anchors aweigh!

The transport: Savannah, GA > Salem, NH > (Chester, PA) > Savannah, GA

The mileage: 2100

The passengers: 12 southern cats and kittens

The destination: northern animal rescue for adoption

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