Pampered pets PCS - Airman's World

Airman, Dec, 2002 by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Heading here with Fido and Tabby just got a lot easier, thanks to a new pet lodge.

In less than a year since the lodge's opening, taking a pet to Guam has become less stressful, due to the pet lodge's close location, squeaky-clean facilities and most of all, Lovella Tudor and her seven assistants. Just read the fists full of comment cards praising the staff for the loving care, professionalism and personal attention given to the pets.

Inspected by both the Department of Agriculture and base veterinary services, the pet lodge has the papers of a champion.

Even the shortest quarantine period is stressful. It requires a rabies test before and upon arrival and lasts 30 days. The $15 daily fee for dogs, or $12 for cats, will set you back $450 or $360, respectively, not including pet-ID chip implant, test fees and administrative fees. Fortunately, the Air Force will reimburse up to $550 of the quarantine fees.

During quarantine, Fido and Tabby will enjoy an air-conditioned retreat as they get accustomed to Guam's hot and humid weather.

In all, the home away from home is a $1.2 million quality-of-life investment that has been recognized by most visitors whether they wear a collar or stars.

Just passing through Guam? Have no fear. Almost half the kennels are dedicated to boarding. Looking pretty is no problem either, with two grooming areas for guest use or grooming services for a fee.

If your next stop is Guam, you can contact Tudor at (671) 366-5020, DSN 315-366-5020, or at lovella.tudor@andersenaf.mil for the latest info.

For just the facts, see the Web site at http://36services.com/Documents/guam_quarantine.doc.> RELATED ARTICLE: Lodge amenities

Andersen's pet lodge has a staff of eight, including Lovella Tudor, to care for feline and canine family members. The lodge also has several amenities for family pets, including:

* 14 quarantine kennels for dogs that can be double-bunked for up to 28 dogs, if family pets are kept together

* Six quarantine kennels for cats

* Eight boarding kennels for dogs

* Six boarding kennels for cats

* Two grooming areas

COPYRIGHT 2002 U.S. Air Force, Air Force News Agency

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group