Thanks everybody for the great response. I thought maybe this way would be easier. THANKS to NicklesMom for recommending Continental Airlines (heated cargo)!!   I am beaming with excitement now!! So far I think this is how the plan might go:

Beth (Bethann) Shelter to Marshalltown

Steven (Zogman) Marshalltown to Airport (Omaha, NE)

In the air - NE to Texas (layover) to Baltimore, MD

Dawn (me) Baltimore, MD - Home!!!!!

The shelter is open at 12 noon every day that it is open. But I have been communicating with Shirley, the shelter manager, and she has told me that no matter when we need to get there, it shouldn't be a problem.

Looks like I'm cleared for takeoff too, either saturday or Sunday whatever will work best for the rest of the group. Just let me know what day and time and where and who we are meeting. I'll bring my camera so Dawn can have some pics of her baby's adventure home too.

Sorry, the happy dance was calling

You guys are so AWESOME!! I love it, I'm going to have him home soon. I thought this would never happen.

Steven, what day do you think you will be able to get him to the airport, I'll call and make his reservations. I think monday would be best for us on the receiving end. But whenever you can do it, we'll do it!

Beth, what time do you think you might be able to get to the shelter. I will call Shirley and let her know. I think she has everything together. But I will make sure she has an updated vet exam paper. Also, do you know if Sadie's old crate is airline approved. I can send you the link with the specifics if you need it.

Jack thanks you all for you're great efforts. He has been so lonely since Wicca died. This will be great. The shelter lady describes Hnery as having a personality very much like Wicca did.

Also I will need some info about getting him on his flight home. Does the airline supply a carrier for the trip or do we need to come up with a crate for him. I can call the airline to find out where to bring him.

Thanks for the happy dance, Kim!! LOL!!

Monday would work fine with me. Really any day wouldn't cause any problems as far as getting him to the airport.

I have all the info for the PetSafe program on Continental Airlines. Beth has a crate she said Henry could use, but I don't know if it meets the criteria or not.

Here is the link http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/animals/procedures.aspx click on Live warm-blooded animal acceptance checklist for all the details.

Does the airlines have ones you can rent?

Also, in looking at the checklist, will we have a health certificate?

That's a very nice offer, you don't need to do that. I am going to have to put Henry's ticket on a credit card anyway, might as well just add on the extra accessories. Gosh it really is like having a baby!

I just got off the phone with Shirley from the shelter and she is going to measure Henry so we can get the right size crate and she is going to get him an up to date health certificate. She said she will be able to provide food for his travels.

Beth, I forgot to mention, I think that Henry needs to have a tag on his collar for his flight with my address on it, in case, heaven forbid, he should get lost. If I send you extra $$ would you be able to get a tag made at the pet store when you pick up his crate (do they have those instant tag making machines there?)?

Petco seems to be the cheapest on carriers depending on how big Henry is:

http://www.petco.com/product/1626/Petmate-Deluxe-Vari-Kennel-Jr.aspx

That one is on sale for 27.27 which isn't a bad price.

I80 would work best for me. I'm sure we can send some toys along with him. I can probably tape a ziplock bag inside or out of the crate and put his collar and leash in it (or leash if he wears his collar in transport) Go ahead and PM me anytime when we get all the details together for the meetup and his flight plans. Are we looking at Saturday then for the meetup?

OMG, there are just angels on this site! I am choked up reading the efforts involved in getting Henry home. He has been in the shelter so long. I think you people are amazing.

If you do pick up a crate you may want to ask if it meets IATA standards. (Which I have no clue what that means but it's a requirement for shipping.)