Before I came here I did one of the hardest things I have ever done, I re-homed my dog. We had hoped to foster her with friends or family but this didn't work out so re-homing was the only option. I was adamant that the Middle East was no place to bring a dog who had spent her life in a cool climate with fields and parks to run free in. My dog has a nervous disposition and I was worried that the flight might literally scare her to death (it isn't safe to drug dogs and then leave them unattended in an aircraft hold) and furthermore she would have had to spend extended periods in kennels while we returned to our home country on leave. She is a pedigree dog. The re-homing volunteers of her breed society were extremely helpful and sympathetic. They allowed me to see that I should put the dog's interests before my own and they found a new family for her who could give her a similar lifestyle. I have been told that she is happy and settled in her new home. It broke my heart to give my dog away but when I look around me I know that it would have been cruel to bring her here. I'm sure I made the right decision. Canadianinqatar, think about where your cats would be happiest. If you decide to leave them behind you can join me and we'll cry on each other's shoulders.