“Blue,
this is your Ushanka, wear it with pride,” says Big Red. Blue looks strangely at
the hat. “Maybe later…” He responds, taking the hat with hesitation.
“Russia is unforgivingly cold, so you’ll need
to protect yourself little Brother,” warns Pinkie.
“I can handle the cold, don’t you worry,” Blue assures. Rolling
his eyes at Blue, Big Red flashes us a helpless look. Clyde has a check list,
and is speaking aloud as he organizes Blue’s paperwork: “proof of Blue’s ISO
microchip; valid rabies and feline infectious disease vaccination records; written
proof of tick and deworming treatment; recent blood tests; international
veterinarian health certification; 400 Rubles.” I was surprised that Clyde had
to shell out 400 Rubles for Blue to be admitted into the Russian Federation.
But at least the Russian Federation did not impose quarantine like many other
countries.
Finally, Clyde tells
Blue to “say your goodbyes,” beckoning him to enter the travel carrier. “We
need to leave in order to make all of our connections on time”.
Hence, Blue hugs me
and Pinkie. I normally wouldn’t accept a hug from Blue, because he is always so
rough, but seeing as this may be the last time I see or hear from him, I hug him
back. “Keep in touch,” I tell him.
Pinkie spends a little more time saying good bye. As I explained before,
they are very close. His final words to Blue are “You’ll be back,” to which
Blue says nothing.
