Wednesday 29th August ~ We landed at Heathrow on time, Caesar (and us) certainly benefitted from the relaxing trip, all the BA staff were very kind to us. As usual, none of them had flown with an assistance dog before so after we had landed and everyone had gone, we obliged with some photos.

It took us some considerable time to get away from the gate. OCS, the company who are supposed to assist passengers with disabilities were less than helpful ... I had some hand luggage so could not self propel my wheelchair the distance involved to get to the baggage hall. Tey knew this, but it took an hour to get someone to help push! It was bad enough for me, but a dog coming on a transatlantic flight deserves early opportunities to clear the airport. Not to mention the two occasions when the "pusher" wasn't looking where he was going and steered my wheelchair right into Caesars' heels.

Just over three weeks, eight thousand miles and the most inconsiderate person we encoutered waas right there at Heathrow!

As if that wasn't bad enough there was pandemonium in the luggage hall, resulting in us making a complaint to BA about the man charged with helping us. Thankfully, another, very kind airport employee (employed by BAA) came to our aid and resuced us, escorted us through customs and to our awaiting car, thank you sir, you're a gent! Karen was then able to nip Caesar to the nearest grass to spend. He came back with a real spring in his step!

We were driven home by our friend and fellow geocacher, Trisha, only stopping at Winchester to grab some hot chocolate and of course a geocache!

The days that followed have involved sleep, sleep and even more sleep ... for all three of us! We've been relaxing and catching up with ourselves with frequent walks on the heath for Caesar. There's nothing quite like home, as far as he is concerned probably the worst thing about America is the leash laws ... oh so restrictive.

Tuesday 28th August ~ Our last day in Michigan, our last day in the United States, and we're tired and ready to come home!

After a long lie in, we put the finishing touches to our packing and set off to Wal-Mart for some last minute shopping ... well it would have been rude not to, right?

As we had room, we stocked up on all sorts of bits and pieces we can't get at home and bought some cheapo dvds and cds. Many things are so much cheaper!

At six o'clock, Daniel (whom we met via a colleague last year) arrived to take us to the airport. We arrived just after seven and no sooner than we had entered the booking hall, we saw the BA staff waving and smiling at us. We were expected! They'd been looking forward to seeing Caesar all day! Of course my beautiful sweet, patient boy obliged and offered hugs all round.

As people surrounded Caesar to say hello I spotted another assistance dog in the terminal. A black lab wearing a Paws Vest. I made a mental note to go and say hi after we had checked in, but quickly changed my mind when I realised it was a pup in training who'd had an accident on the floor! In all the time we spent in USA this time, this was the first assistance dog, other than those partnered with other members of the IAADP board that we had seen.

After check in we were welcomed to the BA lounge where we enjoyed a peaceful hour with champagne and British newspapers before we headed through security. Afterwards, we had a quick nip through the airport (via the duty free store) to our gate and awaited boarding.

In no time we were on board and were given super reclining seats in Club World for the long flight home. We departed at 22.20. Champagne, supper, sleep ... tomorrow we'll be home!

Monday 27th August ~ Our primary task today was to take Caesar to the vets office to begin his preparations to return to the United Kingdom under the PETS scheme. Easier said than done as the taxi we ordered (in plenty of time) arrived about 30 minutes after our appointment time! When it arrived it was one of those cars where you really start to wonder if it will give you a safe ride or not! The driver had gotten lost on his way to us and on the way to the vets office he drove clutching my piece of paper with directions on as if it were the last will and testament of a millionaire!

Thankfully, the vet (who we had kept informed of our progress, or lack of it) was still able to see Caesar when we arrived. It was interesting that she hadn't seen a European Union Pet Passport since we were there last year! Caesar had a thorough examination to determine his fitness to fly, had Milbemax and Advantix administered and his microchip checked. His passport was then completed and we were free to go.

Wendy was delighted with the vets comments, especially when she said Caesar was very fit and had the heart of an athlete!

We took a different taxi company back to our hotel, and then finished off some of our packing. Fortunately, some of the more fragile items we had bought at Bronners Christmas Wonderland were all still wrapped and packaged, so that bit was easy.

Carol & Heart dropped in late afternoon as they were passing by on their way back to Detroit Airport before flying back to California. We shared tales of the days we had been apart and dinner at Baileys' Bar & Grill. Their Chicken Chowder is really worth going out for.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing.