Yes, I know it has been a while since I posted but between all the moving logistics and work getting bonkers, I haven’t had much time for anything. I keep hearing this thing called “self-care” and wondering what that could be? This past month has been hands-down the most difficult of this whole adventure so far. Planning and executing four separate moves primarily solo (stuff to San Diego, stuff to Mexico, cat to Mexico, me and my leftover stuff to San Francisco), has seriously taken a toll on me. I will not lie, it was ugly. I can honestly say I met my match.

Anyway, now that most of the moves are behind me (and a BIG thanks to Gabriel and Audra who both helped me so much), I can take a moment to reflect and talk about our next big milestone. I will still be living part time in San Francisco for the foreseeable future. Until just a few minutes ago, I had planned on getting on a plane with Soba (pictured) and moving her down to Mexico. Unfortunately, due to a snafu with the vet certificate, she will have to stay here for a bit longer. I keep telling myself that it is good since she will be able to move into the house proper if we do it later (we still have a few windows and sealing to do), but I still feel like I failed this part.

Normally, barring certificate issues, moving or traveling with a pet to Mexico is pretty straightforward with a bit of planning. They have to be up on their vaccinations (including rabies) and have proof of flea prevention/de-worming. Within 10 days of travel, you have to get a certificate from a veterinarian to prove all this, which requires a trip to the vet and a small fee. That original document needs to be presented at immigration and as far as I know, most vets are used to producing it, so your regular vet should work.

Now, the flight is an entirely different matter. The only time Soba has ever flown was when she was eight weeks old and we were bringing her home to San Diego from Centralia, Washington. She was fine then, but she also fit cupped in the palms of my hands. She is now 12 years old and making her way to cranky old lady, so we will see how she does. I may have mentioned it before, but one of my strengths/weaknesses is worrying about everyone else’s comfort. So I was worrying about her possibly meowing the whole time, when a friend adeptly pointed out that people take screaming babies on flights all the time. Touché.

Soba is an indoor cat and I know she is going to LOVE the temperatures and access to sunshine, and she won’t have to deal with all the outdoor threats (foxes, snakes, etc), but there are new indoor perils to contend with. Mosquitos aren’t severe most of the year in our breezy beach town, but they do exist and they bring parasites like heartworm with them. Luckily, there are topical treatments that can protect from these nasty little things. I picked up a 6 month supply of Revolution which will be applied monthly. My bigger concern is the scorpions, which may occasionally get into the house. I can totally see her bending down to sniff the crawly thing moving across the floor – eek! Luckily, they don’t usually die from scorpion stings. For this, the vet recommended washing the affected area, cold compress and getting her to a vet nearby. Unfortunately, this is not something we can really prevent, and I’ll just cross my fingers that we don’t have to cross that bridge.

On a personal note, I’m very excited to see the house and give you an update. Progress has been made! I promise to take lots of pictures and share them with you.