28/10/2024
I have spent a lot of time today considering whether to write this post, or just quietly remove Zahra from my profile and keep her updates to be discussed amongst close and trusted friends.
In the end, I have decided to share what has been an emotional and heartbreaking journey with her.
Importing dogs is exciting and stressful and exciting and stressful. It's a mixture of emotions, all rolled into one giant stress ball and when it's a successful process it's great. But importing dogs also carries great emotional and financial risk. It doesn't always go right all the time.
Zahra - Carmen Sunshain Kennel Lapovo - was scheduled to arrive into Australia on 06 November. She had to complete a difficult 30 day quarantine, before coming home to Qld in early December. A nice early Christmas present for me!
Zahra's journey to get ready for Australia has not been an easy one. A multitude of problems arose, every step of the way. In hindsight, maybe that was the universe sending me signs that I continued to ignore - until I was forced to listen. We were so close to getting her home! I was excited for her to finally be here.
Zahra is not coming home.
Yesterday I was informed that she has tested positive to Brucella. Her test result was the smallest reading of positive - but positive it is. I have a deep-seated suspicion that I know where her exposure occurred. However, without solid evidence it needs to remain a strong gut feeling.
Carmen Sunshain Kennel Lapovo, although Serbia will remain your home - a part of you will always be in my heart in Australia.
Zahra, we never got the chance to meet, but I loved you anyway. 💔
