A military move is tough enough (for those in the “know,” we call that a PCS), but make that new duty location Hawaii, throw pets into the mix, and that makes a lot juggle. Quarantine regulations alone can be almost unmanageable, for some pet owners.
Ashley Longaker was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina when she received orders to Hawaii. That meant her dogs Rasta and Foo would be required to go through quarantine.
Has your dog’s tail ever wagged so quickly, as to be nothing but a blur on film? Nothing but joy for these reunited pups and their mama.
Hawaii is a rabies-free state. Their quarantine law was enacted to safeguard its residents and pets from health problems associated with the introduction and spread of rabies.
Because of these complicated rules, Ashley used Dogs on Deployment to find a home for Rasta and Foo to stay with, while she managed her PCS to Hawaii.
Rebecca Eddy, and her family from Laurens, South Carolina cared for her two pups until they qualified for the direct release program, which was 120 days after their blood test results. The stay with the Eddy’s freed the pups from going through Hawaii’s quarantine process.
“For four months, Rebecca and her family fed, groomed, walked and played with my dogs,” Ashley recalls. “Rebecca sent me updates at least weekly, with pictures, funny stories about the dogs’ adventures, and reassurance that the dogs were being cared for.”
Rasta and Foo’s four-month stay with the Eddy’s allowed for a smooth transition for Ashley to her new duty station.
“The next time I need assistance with my dogs, I will definitely return to Dogs on Deployment, and to Rebecca and her family, if they continue to selflessly care for service members’ pets,” Ashley shares.
If you are a service member in need of assistance, or a family who would like to provide assistance to service members like Ashley, please visit our website to see how you can support Dogs on Deployment.
