Ferris,
Isn't the real problem into Dubai the fact that a failed Dubai controller is at the DCA. I understand that Dubai are always asking for control over the bottom of the hold but RJ won't grant them permission. This means that on the way in, centre either space us unnecessarily or when handed off to Dubai we end up doing a tour of the Middle East, with our SA in the toilet, because they have no where to hold us.
(Sorry, just saw you were talking about the great dane, thought it was a dog on the first read thru
)