Riika and Jotham

“My wife says I only married her for her dog.”

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has separated many families due to travel restrictions and lockdowns. Jotham and his pretty Basenji Riika were in Australia, away from Jotham’s wife Sarah who was in London. Petraveller helped reunite Riika with her mum in London. Here’s their international pet relocation story.

Riika was Sarah’s dog from before Jotham and Sarah met. Jotham says, “Riika has always been a part of our relationship. I fell in love with Riika very quickly after meeting her, and she is an important part of our small family.” He laughs and adds, “I even included Riika in my wedding vows to Sarah. My wife says I only married her for her dog.”

Riika has a typical Basenji personality. She is an individual and want to do her own thing. “She loves hanging out as part of the family and going for walks or hikes together as long as she thinks she is leading the way. She is also happy to chill out together in bed or on the couch all day on lazy weekends,” says Jotham. 

Jotham says fondly, “Riika is not a morning dog and doesn’t appreciate it when I wake her up early before I leave for work.”

The Noyes family were relocating to London, UK, because Sarah got an opportunity to work as a paramedic in London. Jotham says, “Leaving Riika behind was never an option. I have remained in Australia to finalise the visa and close out all the loose ends, including bringing the dog, of course. All of our plans have been delayed because of COVID-19. Riika and I can’t wait to see my wife, who we have been separated from for the past six months.”

Jotham started looking for an international pet relocation company to help him relocate his beloved Riika. He contacted four companies, including Petraveller, to try and organise getting Riika to the United Kingdom. He says, “I chose Petraveller because the price was competitive, but mostly because of the phone call I received and the information and advice Petraveller gave me. Petraveller made it a personalised experience, and I appreciated that with moving our dog, which is very important to my wife and me.”

We are thrilled to say that Riika had a wonderful journey to the United Kingdom and is happily reunited with her mum, Sarah. Thank you, Jotham, for trusting Petraveller with Riika’s pet relocation. Best wishes to the Noyes family and here’s to many more adventures with darling Riika out there in London.