Since we're moving to the UK, our daughter in Florida is going to take in my loveable yellow lab. I have been very nervous about this transport, but UA made the process and experience very reassuring and pleasant.

I was very concerned, because the website says that transport may be denied if the temperature at any point in the journey exceeds 85 degrees. When a heat wave hit Denver this week, and the temps were expected in the mid 90's, I was owrried that my plans might not work. I had booked this trip to coincide with a business trip, and had no other business in Florida before we moved. One chance or we go to plan B with doggie, and we don't have a plan B.

After a few calls to UA, I was reassured that the 85 degree rule applies mostly to any connections and final destination. I booked the last nonstop of the day, arriving at 9:30. Temps in FL were expected in the mid 70's. We were safe in DEN, even though temps were 94 at flight time. We had frozen the water in the crate's water dish.

We got doggie checked in at "odd-sized baggage", paid the $200 one way transport fee (No miles earned on that one ) and were escorrted to the special TSA room on the check-in level of DEN. TSA checked the crate, loaded her back in, and I headed to the gate.

As a nice touch, a red card is hand delivered to me in my seat once my furry friend actually reaches the plane. When I boarded, I showed a picture of doggie to the pilot and purser so they knew that special cargo was aboard.

After landing, my furry cargo came out before any other bags. I loaded her on a smart carte with my other luggage, and headed to Hertz. I had to change my car from a Hyundai Whatever to a Checy HHR to fit the crate and doggie. I didn't think theat Hertz would appreciate dog hair on leather seats. My daughter and I met halfway today and exchanged the happy dog. She'll get time in the ocean and will be living with our granddog.

All in all, everything went well...except for the accident in the elevator at the hotel this morning. Nothing a mop and deodorizer won't fix.

Thanks United, for caring for my precious cargo. ^