On Top Of The World

From the prairie to the fjords (with a few stops along the way.)

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

A Jackalope Sighting

I was sitting at my desk and chatting on the phone when a huge white creature dashed past my window. At first I thought it was a dog until I saw its massive back legs and the way it hopped. (For a split second, I actually thought it was a wallaby, and then I remembered that I live in Norway, not the Australian outback.) It was a rabbit, the biggest, toughest looking rabbit I have ever seen. Seriously, the animal had to weigh at least 25 or 30 pounds. Could it have been an Arctic hare? It was mostly white with some mottled gray and brown on its back, and I know that Arctic hares do change from white to brown in the summer. Or did it escape from some lab, after years of growth hormone tests? I know there is no such thing as a jackalope, but this bunny could have easily supported a full rack of antlers between its giant ears. I'm so disappointed that I didn't get a picture of him! Maybe I'll put some carrots out in the yard to lure him back...though something tells me this bunny doesn't survive on carrots alone. I'll bet he feasts on whole roasted moose, with a carrot or two on the side!

posted by Emily @ 3:24 PM  

3 Comments:

  • At Thu Apr 26, 01:42:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Emily -
    Did you bring your dogs from the US?
    My husband and I may be moving to Norway from the USA and we are really concerned about our two dogs.
    Thanks so much for any info you could provide.
    Vic

     

  • At Thu Apr 26, 03:21:00 AM, Blogger Emily said…

    Hi Vic! Yes, we brought our dogs (and cats) with us from the US. The good news is: if proper microchipping and vaccination and testing protocols are followed, there is no longer a quarantine period. The bad news is: said protocols are expensive and rigid and take 121 days from start to finish. (We actually had more difficulty with the USDA than with the Norwegian authorities.) The biggest thing is to get your dogs microchipped immediately (we used Home Again brand--I believe chips must be either ISO or FECAVA standard). After the microchip is in place, then the dogs must have their rabies shot. (It doesn't matter if they are already up to date on their vaccine, the rabies shot must be given after the microchip is inserted.) Once the rabies vaccine is given, you must wait at least 120 days but no more than 364 days to get a blood titer test to measure the rabies antibodies (I think the level has to be at least .5--my poor guys were so overvaccinated that their levels were above 4). Little details matter--all certificates must be signed by the vet in blue ink and contain the microchip ID number. Finally, no more than 10 days before the dogs travel, you must take them to the vet for the final check up and paperwork. The vet must fill out fitness to fly certificates, a multi layered carbon copy USDA form and the Norwegian form (I believe the border vet at Gardemoen emailed it to me). At this check up, the dogs must receive a tick treatment and a tapeworm treatment. Again, details matter! All forms must be done in blue ink and remember that the Norwegian form asks for dates the European way (day, month, year) yeah, we did the dates the American way and had to fill the forms out all over again! I would say it took our vet about 45 minutes per animal, as he had never dealt with animals being transported overseas before. Once all you paperwork is filled out you'll need to take it plus all your rabies certificates (signed in blue ink!) to your closest USDA office--ours was in Albany, NY, a 2 hour drive from our house. Another thing to consider is the crate you will use. A lot of crates say "Airline Approved" on them, but they are not. Vari-Kennels definitely are ok for airline travel. (This is for dogs travelling in cargo, I don't know how big your dogs are.) No blankets or anything that a nervous dog might chew are allowed, only a 6 inch layer of shredded newspaper. You must have 2 metal bowls attached to the cage with food and water. Also, definitely remember to write your contact info in permanent marker on the kennel. (If I sound like I know what I am talking about, it is only because we hired a professional pet moving company to handle all the details. Otherwise, there are so many little things that I would have done wrong which would have resulted in the animals not being able to go with us at the last minute!) If you have any other questions, give me your email address and I would be happy to answer them (or try to)! Good luck! Emily

     

  • At Fri Apr 27, 03:00:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Thank you Emily! My husband is flying back from Stavanger in the morning (well in the morning for me). It looks like this is definitely going to happen for us. It is a bit scary and we are really concerned about our dogs. The information you provided is so helpful!! I just couldn't imagine a quarantine period of six months, especially I after I read the only quarantine place is in Oslo, which I understand is pretty far from Stavanger (where we will be living).
    We have a german shepherd and a sheltie mix. I have got to get busy with the microchipping. I wish we had of started about two months ago!
    I think we will definitely hire professional pet movers, as I wouldn't want to chance me doing anything wrong!
    I'd love to chat with you more. I'm feeling very intimidated/excited about this whole prospect!! It would be great to talk to someone who has been in the same boat. My e-mail is victorialanglais@yahoo.com
    THank you so much for the information you provided. It is so nice to hear from someone who has first hand info. I found so much conflicting info on the net.
    Do you work in Norway? What part of Norway do you live in? I could probably go and on and with questions - I'll stop now. :-)
    Victoria

     

Post a Comment

<< Home