Meet KZN’s smallest, furriest frequent flyer

Having racked up more than 80 flights, Ruby, KwaZulu-Natal’s littlest jet-setter, has a big appetite for travel.

And the little Pomeranian-cross-Yorkie that was rescued by Hilton resident Tina Wagener 10 years ago, doesn’t let the fact that she has only one eye get in the way of her thirst for adventure.

Ruby’s original owner gave her to the SPCA after a fight with a bigger dog left her with one eye, and he didn’t want a one-eyed dog on his hands.

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Little did the Yorkie, affectionately coined a ‘porkie’ by her owner, know that her new life would include so much travel!

“She’s my little girl, she comes everywhere with me. I would never leave her behind,” said Tina, who is a frequent flyer.

In the past, animals were made to travel in the hold with the luggage, but the rules have begun to change.

According to Miles van der Molen, CEO of CemAir, there is no charge for travelling with small dogs and cats that fit under the seat in the cabin.

Medium-sized dogs can be accommodated in the cabin if a seat is booked for them, while large breeds occasionally travel in the cabin with their owners if special arrangements are made.

However, any rescue dog being rehomed gets a free flight with the airline.

“Until recently, I was the owner of two Border collies, but one of them, Sushi, died two months ago from cancer. She is the reason we got into pet travel,” said Van Der Molen.

Tina uses some pet calming spray to ease Ruby’s pre-flight nerves, but pet owners can consult their local vet for alternatives.

It is also recommended to use an appropriately sized carrier for your pet to stand in, turn around and lie down comfortably.

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