Moving a large dog to the Azores Portugal

I am moving from the USA to an Azores island, Portugal. I want to take my dog. He is too large for cabin travel and must fly in the cargo hold. Arranging our flights together has been difficult. First, very few airlines will fly dogs in cargo from North America to Europe. Presumably because of the flight time. Next, airlines require you to use third party pet transport agencies. Not a bad ideal if you can find a good one to handle all the minute details. Sit down before they quote the cost! Then, even with their help you need to plan for extra time at both ends of the trip and longer lay-overs for connecting flights.

Anyone who wants to share their experience, I am all ears.