annie47

As I said, there are communities like this all over the US, including Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, and New Jersey. It seems that there are other (less permanent) ways to tackle loneliness and this was just a suggestion. Many Brit expats live in Florida - so some people do like the sun. Personally, I could not put my dog in quarantine, and would try staying here - at least until he passed.

Downton Gabby

Who said anything about quarantine? And you think she should move to another state alone just to find a group to join instead of going back to her home country where she knows people?

annie47

Wow, I just joined. Thanks for the warm welcome.
I was just suggested an alternative - no "should" there. She has a dog, I have a dog. I have decided not to move back until he passes because of the quarantine rule. As I said, "personally".

Downton Gabby

There is no "quarantine rule".

annie47

Good to know. Thanks! Now I'll be quiet and let this thread focus on Fulwood. Sorry to intrude.

BEVS

Hi there Annie47 . Always lovely to see a new face.

FWIW , my husband and I have agonised over whether to move back from New Zealand to the UK with our elderly cat who is now 18 & have decided against. Not because of the rabies jab so much. More because of the horrendous journey involved and whether he would re-orientate to a UK environment after the wide spaces we have around us here as he has a little dementia in there.

If you have a mo and the inclination perhaps share a but about you. You know . The usual nosey sort of stuff.

Downton Gabby

I hope you look into the "Pet Passport" guidelines. You may find that you can go back home yourself now if you want to since the dog won't have to be quarantined. That whole thing changed quite awhile ago.

spouse of scouse

That was a lovely, thoughtful post Annie That's what BE is all about, offering suggestions and alternatives for people who are struggling with a decision.

Good on you, and

fulwood

I live in Arizona. I appreciate everyone's input.

BEVS

Blimey. That makes me think of cactus.

Anyway. Have you packed your bags and the dog's cooler weather coat yet.

Downton Gabby

I hope she feels encouraged to go for it

LondonSquirrel

'Pet Passports' for dogs, cats and ferrets coming from America and Canada. Personally I think it is a crying shame that rabbits and rats can't be included especially as they are much less likely to have rabies, being caged. I don't know, maybe there is no rabies vaccine for them? There is free movement for rodents between Europe and the UK and I hope coming out of the EU would not stop that.

rebeccajo

Part of the "moving countries journey" is the decision-making part. Everyone will have their own way of coming to a conclusion. Some people know exactly what they want to do. Some don't.

When struggling with depression, any decision is more difficult. The person has to move past their own self-doubt before they can even begin to make a life plan.
It's like they sense what the right thing to do might be, but they just aren't sure they can even take the first step. This isn't a sign of weakness. It is the body's way of saying 'slow down go easy on me'.

Positive supports will help the person through the struggle. Positive support doesn't mean telling the person what they should do. It means telling them they will still have value, that their life can still have meaning, no matter what they decide.

It isn't about what the person decides to do. It is about the person.

fulwood - clarity will come when you least expect it. Open your mind to it. Remember that you have a place in this world that isn't defined by where you are. It is defined by who you are. You seem to me like a loving and compassionate person. You can take that part of you anywhere in the world, share it, and find more reward than you ever imagined. You might even find yourself happy again because - somehow - that is what happens when we take our gifts, unwrap them, and let them out with good purpose.

curleytops

+1

Downton Gabby

Fulwood is looking for encouragement. She clearly is going in the direction of moving back to the UK where she feels life would be easier for her. We are all supporting her and no one is telling her what to do, only helping to give her confidence to go forward toward what she wants.

As far as Annie and her comments, I did not mean to make her feel unwelcome. She seems like a very nice person. However, it did seem like she had not read through this thread from the beginning. By offering the ideas she did I just felt she was telling fulwood to essentially take two steps back, undermining her slowly building confidence to go for what she's been wanting to do for awhile. Hence my reaction. Also, Annie referred to moving country as "permanent", which is not only incorrect but serves to potentially scare someone into staying put out of fear.

Whatever she decides and whenever she decides, I'm sure we'll all support her. As someone said, taking action is an antidote to depression. IMO, she knows what she wants and is looking for people to bolster her confidence, not give her excuses to stay put in the US where she doesn't feel at home.

And we are all certainly entitled to our opinions and everyone is welcome. If I made Annie feel otherwise I'm sorry. And I hope she looks into the Pet Passport for her dog.