Today my human took me to a very strange place…
…there were many big buildings and huge, long car machines and lots & lots of giant boxes everywhere…
It was near the place where the Big Flying Machines live, so it was very noisy and windy.
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After we parked our car machine, my human took me for a walk through the buildings until we came to an office: there was a sign showing a picture of a doggie and a kitty, and I could smell that lots of doggies and kitties had been there recently!
My human said that the place was called “Dogtainers Pet Travel Consultants” and we were going to see them because we are going to do the “moving overseas” thing again (well, for real, this time!) in December and so I am going to go in a Big Flying Machine soon! 
My human had done lots of research about all the pet transporters around Auckland and she liked Dogtainers the best. They were very nice and helpful and explained everything in lots of detail and answered all her questions very patiently.
They also asked her to take me to their office for a visit so that I could meet them - and they won’t be total strangers when they collect me….
Making friends...and making myself at home! 
I loved having a good sniff around the offices – there were so many interesting smells! – and getting lots of cuddles and attention…
Dogtainers said they would keep me in the office with them until the last minute before I have to get into the Big Flying Machine, so I don’t have to spend so much time in my travel crate.
Socialising with them is really important ‘coz my humans will be doing the “moving overseas” thing first without me – I will stay at the Airport Pet Hotel until they find a nice house which allows big doggies to live in it – and then they will ask Dogtainers to send me to them. So I will be ‘travelling solo’ (!) and it will be a bit scary without my humans – so Dogtainers said this way I will know some familiar faces and won’t be so stressy. (Aren’t you impressed by how thoughtful they are? I really recommend them to any other doggies in Auckland who are doing the “moving overseas” thing!)
We also checked out all the special travel crates – these must be “IATA-approved” and also be big enough so we pets can stand up and turn around comfortably and for air to circulate around for cooling – but not so big that we will rattle around in there if there is turbulence! 
(see the IATA site for more information: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live_animals/pets.htm)
Hmm...this might be a LITTLE small for me...
Dogtainers were very good and careful and they measured me to check what size crate I would need…
…they said that I am such a big girl, I am too tall for even the biggest ‘standard’ crate and so I will have to have a crate especially made for me! 
It will take 7 days to make it and then they will bring it to our house, so my human, Hsin-Yi, can do some training with me to get me used to being in the travel crate. This way, it will be less stressy for me when I have to be in it inside the Big Flying Machine.
Well – so you must be wondering where I am going in the Big Flying Machine?
It’s a place called Brisbane, which is in a part of Australia called Queensland.
It is one of the few places in the world which is not “faraway” from New Zealand! 
(And I won’t need to do the horrible Quarantine thing!)
View across Brisbane River (from www.totaltravel.com)
My humans have never been there but they have heard that it is a very beautiful place, although it can get very hot in the summer with very sticky, soggy air.
There are lots of very beautiful beaches there (I hope they are as dog-friendly as the ones in NZ!) and the water in the sea is lovely and warm, although there are lots of scary big fish called ‘sharks’ which like to eat dogs, so I will have to be very careful…!
But Hsin-Yi says I should feel very “at home” there because there are LOTS of giant things like me!
There’s the Giant Pineapple…
(from www.davidicke.com)
…the Giant Cow…
(from www.libbyhobday.com)
…the Giant Meat Pie…
(from www.libbyhobday.com)
…the Giant Crocodile…
(from www.welcome2australia.com.au)
…and even a Giant Spider guarding a toilet! (er – I think I will hold it)
(from www.libbyhobday.com)
We will only be living in Brisbane for a year and then we will be moving to another place in Australia, because of Paul’s work. But we will not be coming back to NZ for a long time so I probably won’t ever see Auckland again.
I shall be sad to leave all my great doggie friends and all the wild, beautiful parks and beaches that I can run around in here…I shall have to make sure that I enjoy them lots in the few weeks we have left in Auckland!
Some of you may remember that we were going to do the “moving overseas” thing last year but in the end, my humans had to change their plans because of many bad things happening…so they decided to stay in NZ for another year. But now we are really moving and I will no longer be a Kiwi dog but an Aussie dog! 
(Well, actually I will always be a Kiwi doggie at heart! )
* I am awfully behind in visiting your blogs – so sorry! My human has just been so busy in the last few days, starting to sort things for “moving overseas” and also with my big birthday party last weekend (which I will tell you all about in my next post!)…she nearly had a fit when she looked at Google Reader this morning and it said “108 new posts”!! AAAAaaarrrggghhh!! So it is going to take us a REALLY long time to catch up on everyone’s news and we may not be able to comment on all but we will be checking in on you all - so please bear with us!
Wow Honey! What a big and exciting change coming up! That company that is helping you fly to Australia seems like they are so considerate and thoughtful of their clients! A specially made kennel! Can't wait to hear more about your move! And your birthday party too!
So, do woo need to be THIS tall to ride THIS ride?
It really looks like these hoomans know how to take khare of such a special gal as yourself!
I'm sure woo will find lots of new pals in Khweensland!
I do hope they realise how special woo are! They'll be able to say THEY were the ones that took khare of Honey's travels!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Wow, big changes! I hope you are not in the hotel too long before you get dogtainered to OZ! It all sounds pretty exciting and can you believe you will live in the home of DWBs? Will you be near Benson and Opy? I wish there was a better way to travel with doggies but at least you won't need to be quarrantined, that seems like the most terrible thing ever for a pup.
Giant=Pawesome!
Your blog is just in time for Wild Dingo who needs some travel advice for her two dogs. Though I'm not in NZ or Australia, I will be needing some info soon on how to travel w/doggies and not make it so stressy. i keep hearing that sleep meds or relaxing meds are not a good idea as they need to regulate their body temperature and they can't do that when medicated. sigh. we think we need a genie to blink her eyes and pop us to our destination!
Hi, Honey!
You all have interesting times ahead of you!
I am sure everything will go perfect!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Oh How exciting honey!! we went to qld when we were babys to show @ their big specialty there and yesz it is very beautiful, we reckon youll like it, but it may take you a while to get used to the heat.
If you and your humans are ever near the central coast of nsw, dop us a line, we loves playdates.
it sounds like you are in for quite an adventure, Honey! What a beautiful place your new home is. Mom says she wants to visit there very badly and may be planning a trip there for next year. Since its so far away though, I won't be able to come.
cant wait to see the pictures from your birthday party!
wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog
Hi Honey
My human says can you ask your humans whereabouts in Brisbane they are going to look for a place, then my human will see if my grand(hu)ma knows of anyone with a place to rent (my grand(hu)ma lives on the Sunshine Coast, but she might know someone in Brisbane).
Puppy kisses
Sasha
Honey! That is scary and exciting at the same time. I know that your Hsin-Yi and Paul will make sure that you are safe and comfortable and don't get scared and I know what I smart, brave girl you are, so it will be OK.
It will be nice to live in a place where you aren't the only super-sized creature around, right?
Slobbers,
Mango
P.S. We are behind too and momma is considering just hitting the "mark all as read" button. She is super stressed over taking care of me and Pee-Wee without letting me try and eat the cone monster.
It looks like your people have thought of everything for your move. It sounds exciting to go to a place where there are lots of giant things. I just wish you were moving to America so I could meet you.
Your friend,
Niamh
Welcome to being a Dane Down Under Honey… my son lives in Brisbane.. we all say its like sydney but more countryfied… in my town, I live between Brisbane and sydney is a big banana! not sure how the 'big' thing got started… They have cool dog shows up your new way.. and a big show called the 'EcKa' think its short for exhibition…
Chelsea was born in Brisbane…
How cool are they to make a crate then deliver it so it will be less stressful and being a NZ dog you will have similar weather here.. not as cold …
psst dont stress about being behind on blogs, you got alot on your plate at the moment… and I find I always catch up somewhere down the track… and at least if you get a post written we all know you Paul and honey are doin fine….
wow what a big adventure for you all….x
How exciting! You're moving! I bet it's going to be so much fun to discover a new place! The Dogtainer people seem really nice and I'm sure they will take great care of you on the trip.
The Dogtainer people sound so great! I get the distinct feeling in my town that pets are viewed as belongings and not companions. There's just no love for anything around here.
I hope you're excited about moving! I know it's scary, but I'll bet it'll be a lot of fun too! Just try not to think too much about what you're leaving. That would make me very sad because I'm such a homebody. Keep us updated on your adventures. Auckland is such a beautiful place I'll miss seeing the pictures, but I best Brisbane will be fun too.
There will be lots of cool new exotic creatures to chase like Kangaroos!
Jackal
Hi Honey,
How exciting that you get to move to a new home….are you sad about leaving NZ? It seems like such an ideal place to live I'm sure you will miss it. I know I will miss hearing all about your adventures in NZ but now we get to learn all about a new place.
The Dogtainer people seem to be very nice and friendly. I'm sorry you have to stay in the doggie motel without your people…heck if you lived near my humans I'd invite you over to stay with me.
I've never been in a big flying machine and probably never will be in one but I hope you have a nice flight when it's time for you to travel to your new home.
I look forward to hearing about your birthday party!
AARF Kasha the Dane
Hi Honey
How exciting to be moving overseas. We wish you and your humans safe travels.
Love Ruby & Penny
wow that was great Honey! i can't believe you have to get your own crate built. we can't wait to read more about it.
and goodness gracious, don't worry about all those posts. that is too much time!
Hi Honey!! That is exciting news!! It's so great of your parents to do lots of research to find the best way to move you as well as themselves! Good luck with all the planning, I am sure everything will go really well.
xo
hello big honey dog its dennis the vizsla dog hay mmmmmm jiant meet pie!!!!! ok bye
Oh wow, what a great adventure. I have several friends who live in Australia and other's who have visited and all have given it raving reviews!!!
Good luck with packing and special travel plans!!!
This all sound very exciting and scary Honey!!
I hope you enjoy your new home and it just as dog friendly as NZ.
I sure you will find lots of new dog friends.
How did you get on with the dog brick from Paul?
~lickies, Ludo
Ohh Honey don't worry bout stopping by! I am so glad you finally get to move, I hope it goes without a hitch!
We will miss you Honey!
Hopefully we can catch up before you do the moving oversea's thing in December!
I'm so glad I have a blog now, so we can keep in contact
Lexi
what an adventure -- moving like that! Hope everything turns out good! Please don't move away from the blog world!
Thor and his Mom vote for an immediate visit to the Giant Meat Pie, where you can doubtless order one of your own!
That is a very nice way to travel. You are lucky to find a company who will try to shower you with as much love as your humans give you.
Wow, it sounds like exciting changes are coming for you. You have wonderful people to make sure you will be so well taken care of! Aussie ho!
Good luck Honey!
I am sure it will all go really smoothly as Hsin-Yi and Paul have thought of every way to make it as easy for you as possible
I hope they find a house quickly and you learn to feel comfortable in your crate
hugs, Darcy's mumma
Mom says this is a good time to quit our lurking and introduce ourselves. We are Maine Coon cats -- the BIG cats of the feline world. We don't fit in cat sized travel crates so we know how you feel! We used to travel a lot with our previous humans because we are retired show cats. But now with our new Mom and Dad we don't go anywhere and that is a-okay with us! Mom and Dad keep hinting that we might be getting a BIG sister some time around tree with lights time. And not a kitten. A BIG sister that wouldn't be able to fit into a regular XL dog crate…(final decision close to being made, says Mom)
Signed,
Your new friends, Rufus (age 13 Daddy cat) and Ruby (age 9, Rufus's daughter)
That is soooo exciting! My bestest friend Huffle Mawson, Explorer Cat and Honorary Husky lives in Australia!!! Stormy said since you're quite the super=sized puppy, they should let you just sit in the plane between your parents. I think that's reasonable.
Play bows,
Zim
Ohhhh -- you are moving closer to me!!!! COOL!!!
My humans have been talking about going to NZ with me for holiday at some point because it looks so dog friendly and because they love it. Last time they have been there was before I was born. I think the whole traveling thing sound exiting! Those big flying things are quite scary though… Not sure if I would move around in such a strange office as confident as you did.
I can't wait to see your custom made travel box!
Big slobbers Teal'c
Hi Honey -- We are in South Africa, but I have visited Brisbane. A lovely place, so I am sure you will be very happy there! Lots of love Margie and the Danes Saxy and Obi.
Hi Honey,
Honestly, this post makes us very sad. We wish we had met you a little earlier. We wanted to play with you more. But, at the same time we wish you a happy new life in a new place! Even if we are physically far away from each other, in the blogsphere we can always meet up and talk. What a nice technology the Internet is!
Wow! What a big move. I've never been to Brisbane but my humans have and they say it's a nice tropical place, not unlike Malaysia. So, you'll get lots of sunshine!
Exciting times Honey! Flying is great fun! We're off to Brussels in a few weeks (only a short flight from Dublin I know) but I love flying -- and all the new smells when you arrive at your destination.
The very best of luck to you all with the move!
take care
Clive & family
Looks like you will be very well taken care of Honey….as you should! I'm so glad you won't need to be quarantined. That would be horrible for you and your humans.
Looking forward to hearing about all your latest adventures in your new home
Safe travels to you, Hsin-Yi & Paul.
G'day Honey -- you will have to get used to people saying that to you in Brisbane.
The Dogtainer people sound very nice and caring, and I am sure they will look after you fine.
You'll be able to taste some yummy Australian dog snacks while you are there, like kangaroo tails. My labradors used to think they were delicious!
I hope you find somewhere dog-friendly soon, so that you don't have to stay in NZ for long.
Unfortunately, I think Brisbane is less dog-friendly than Auckland. There aren't as many places like cafes were doggies can go, and some of the beaches have areas where doggies are banned. But I am hoping you, Hsin-Yi, and Paul will be able to prove me wrong and that things have changed since I was there.
Hi Honey! I have not met you before now so hi! Wow you are a big girl and pretty too! My brother Jet came on a big flying machine from Sweden to here in the USA Utah. He said it was kinda scary but he was so happy when he saw the Mum and he was then wiggly and silly. He's not scared anymore and now he's a terror! I'm a terror too but don't tell anyone. I like to bite people in the but to get them to play!
We've been trying for 2 days to leave a comment but our internet wouldn't let us. Now that we're here we forgot what we wanted to say.
Hope everything will go smoothly.
Oh Honey, can't believing you're going to be flying solo! Happy moving! Brisbane is a lovely place
Oh no Hsin-Yi, I don't think you're criticizing me or us at all! I totally appreciate all your comments and suggestions as you've been there before and have a better idea of what to do. I'm totally open to all suggestions and advice! And I am especially thankful for your comments to help us, as you have so many other things to do right now in preparation for your move.
I seriously hope Darwin grows up to be like Honey. Honey seems like the dream great dane… of course it took lots of training on your part, and I hope we can do of good of a job as you and Paul have done with Honey!
It does look like they will take good care of you Honey, we hope everything goes well for you and your humans for the move. It sounds very exciting and your new home sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun.:-)
Thanks for your comments about the google reader, i did try it before but didn't seem to get on with it, so i have been using my blog lists. It was difficult using the lists as i had them though with updated ones going to the top, by the time i had caught up with a few someone had posted again and unless i kept a list i couldn't remember who i had visited.
At the moment i am trying to follow the blogs on my lists but in the alphabetical order i am finding it easier to remember who i have seen and haven't. I still might give the google reader another go sometime as well.
Honey, we hope your move goes well… can't wait to see pics of you as an AUSSIE!
xoxo
brownie
Your humans are so good to you, Honey. We are sure they have found the very best way to take care of getting you safely to Australia. We hope that Paul and Hsin-Yi will be able to find a beautiful home very quickly so you won't have to be apart for very long. Tell your special lady there not to worry about the blogs. Moving is a lot of work and takes lots of time. We know you will all be back with us when life is settled.
Hugs and safe travels, the OP Pack
Ahhh Honey, sad that you are leaving your home in NZ.
Even though I am sure Australia will be great it is sad to leave our homes and furiends and things we are comfortable with. Glad the Pet container people are so cool! When do you move?
Kisses,
Nala
I dunno. I think those dog-tainers are freaky! It blows my mind. Who do they think they are? You are HONEY…you can't be CONTAINED! You are DOGGER, hear you ROAR! I would bust out of it and take a look around. Maybe visit the others and free them from their 'tainers. then I'd go chase some roos and throw a shrimp on the barbie and whatever crazy things they do down under.
You'll have to bark in Australian! Nobody is going to be able to understand you! I'm scared, Honey. I think this move is insane. That's like…it's like a whole other country! Man!
We seem to move about once a month, but never to another country. I am kinda jealous. I don't have any stamps in my passport. …Wait…What's a passport?
Honey, what an adventure! I wish all of you a stress-free and happy move. I was surprised to learn that if a dog comes from NZ they don't need to go through the awful quarantine.
Tell Hsin-Yi not to worry about visiting blogs. But it would be great if she has time for a quick post now and then to let us all know how the move is going.
how funnnnn
we hope that your box woud be big enouf!
How big must the box be for el'bow????
have fun pakking hsin-yi
slobbers
El'bow & hauwii
Wow Honey, sounds like those are some pretty good pet transport people!
Also, Mom got very excited when she saw where you are moving! She studied abroad in Brisbane for a month and she loved it! She really wants to go back one day.
Good luck moving!
Hugs and Tail Wags,
Dixie
Oh, Honey! What a long journey! But don't worry, I'm sure your humans are doing the best to make everything easier for you.
This part made my mommy sad: "But we will not be coming back to NZ for a long time so I probably won’t ever see Auckland again."
Well, we're all wishing you and your family good luck "Moving Overseas".
And when you feel lonely or scary, remember that you have many friends all over the world that love and admire you very much.
Mom and I will be visiting your blog looking for good news.
Love, Kimba
I meant scared, not scary. Excuse me the error, as you know, I've been recovering from a yuck disease.
Honey. you are one brave doggie. Looks like your leggeds are arranging the best care they possibly can for your journey. Paws crossed all goes smoooothly for you all. Oh and we bet Mom is enjoying the books and you the Dog Brick game. It's pawsome.
Wiry loves and kissies, Eric xxxx
Hi Honey,
Ah ha! So you are moving to Brisbane? Are you looking forward to it? My breeders in Australia used Dogtainers to ship me across to Singapore and I can say that they are very good and professional. I arrived Singapore safe and sound. Anyway, I suspect the airport pet hotel comes with room and min bar service (paws crossed). Make sure you remember to claim your air miles and ask for an upgrade to business class, OK?
And, if you have any doubts, email me and we can discuss. I'll bet you with my last dollar that this boeing 747 is the largest bird you've ever seen in your life!
Love,
Homer (who is so excited for you even though I'm not the one who's moving. Don't forget I am an International Jet Setter!)
PS: Will you be taking part in this year's DWB Christmas cards exchange?
wow ur moving! brisbane's a beautiful place accordin to my mom! we so wish we're able to move there too.
we're sure u'll do juz fine flyin there alone as ur such an awesome girl!
good luck to ur moving! i can't wait to read abt all ur adventures over there. =p & enjoy ur flight honey!
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New home!!!! Moving can be very exciting but, at the same time, hard!
We can't wait to see you in your new home!
Kisses
Rufus and Indie
Hi guys, so you are moving again, wow and to a fab place, very jealous! Have it all goes well or has done if youve already moved. We are still in Dubai, there are 3 Danes now, as well as our black, Duke and Doza our Harli we have Charlie too a 9 year old black who we rescued, its a mad house.
Take care.
Amanda