It is that time again when the Navy sends us to our next duty station. This time we are being sent overseas to South Korea. However great this opportunity is for the whole family, we are not prepared wholly for the financial duty of keeping our family together. Vannon and Falkor are members of our family, and this is their forever home. We were not expecting to get overseas orders, but are looking forward to the experience and are ready to take the challenges on together.
Vannon is a 10 year old Chihuahua. He joined our family in 2003 just after Chris returned from Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Vannon has been an amazing therapy dog in support of Chris’ PTSD. Since then Chris has deployed a handful of times, and Vannon has been there for the kids and I during those hard times.
May 2006- Chris, Danika, and Vannon at military appreciation parade Bremerton, WA
Falkor found us in September of 2010. While at a park in Imperial Beach, CA, this mangy little mutt was fallowing all the kids at the park around. Initially we thought he belonged to one of the two families that were there until we witnessed one of the dads try to kick him, and the other family left. Falkor climbed the stairs to the big toy and would lay there as if it was his home. I could not in my right mind leave him there, so I picked him up and put him in the Jeep. So scared he hid under the seat. He was covered in fleas, wearing a collar that was too small, and what gangly fur he had was all matted. After getting him home, washed, and settled. I called everywhere trying to see if he was reported missing, and posted fliers around the park where we found him. No one stepped up to claim him. Falkor has come a long way with being socialized, and re trusting people. He still suffers from separation anxiety, but is making progress.
Falkor October 2010
We will be on a 3 year tour to South Korea. These dogs are not just pets, they are our family and best friends. At this time we do not know if we will be flying civilian airlines or military airlines. There is a significant price difference. We are trying to raise at least $1,500. These funds will help pay for vet care prior to leaving the United States, airline travel to South Korea, quarantine costs in South Korea, and anything that may come up between point A and B. Any remainder of funds we would like to donate to a South Korean animal shelter. So far I have estimated vet costs at $425, airline costs $1,200 -$1,500 (civilian air), and up to $40 a day for both dogs for quarantine/pet kenneling until we can find housing. Once I get more accurate information I plan to update everyone.
Thank you for donating, and helping us keep our family together,
♥Jess, Chris, Danika, Darius, Vannon & Falkor
