The Wait Is Painful...
Let's start in 2007... The bf and I finally made the decision to get a puppy. I've always been in love with PWCs. It took some convincing and about 100 pictures and a dozen research articles later he just adored the 'dopey-ness" and charming qualities of a corgi. He grew up with a golden retriever and loves big dogs, though, a little apartment would be cruel to any large breed.
Two months ago, I found a breeder in Southern California that I had several conversations with via email, and felt comfortable in her capabilities and love for her puppies. She had a litter due in mid-April and the temperament of the parents were quite attractive. The daddy is the type of dog who loves anyone - she called him a "traitor dog"... How can you resist that? Anyway, there were two males and three females. After she began accepting deposits, we were fortunate enough to be selected for the first pick with our choice of sex as male.
We've come up with a few name choices - some silly, some serious and some downright cute... but we'll see how the male puppies turn out in terms of personality before we make any decisions.
Now we're trying to figure out the best way to pick up our little boy - we feel taking the 7 hour drive down to SoCal would be the most comfortable for the puppy (albeit a bit long for our taste). Flying has too many question marks and I don't know if it's worth the hassel and/or expense. Has anyone driven that far to get a puppy? So far our trip includes a crate, some sheets to protect the seats, a blanket or two, food/water, collar and leash. We should be getting a toy and a bag of food from the breeder - though I think we've decided to transition to one of the Natura Pet brands for food. We understand that frequent pit stops will need to be made on the way back... any other pointers?
Well, until the time comes (mid to end of June), we're just keeping ourselves busy...
Two months ago, I found a breeder in Southern California that I had several conversations with via email, and felt comfortable in her capabilities and love for her puppies. She had a litter due in mid-April and the temperament of the parents were quite attractive. The daddy is the type of dog who loves anyone - she called him a "traitor dog"... How can you resist that? Anyway, there were two males and three females. After she began accepting deposits, we were fortunate enough to be selected for the first pick with our choice of sex as male.
We've come up with a few name choices - some silly, some serious and some downright cute... but we'll see how the male puppies turn out in terms of personality before we make any decisions.
Now we're trying to figure out the best way to pick up our little boy - we feel taking the 7 hour drive down to SoCal would be the most comfortable for the puppy (albeit a bit long for our taste). Flying has too many question marks and I don't know if it's worth the hassel and/or expense. Has anyone driven that far to get a puppy? So far our trip includes a crate, some sheets to protect the seats, a blanket or two, food/water, collar and leash. We should be getting a toy and a bag of food from the breeder - though I think we've decided to transition to one of the Natura Pet brands for food. We understand that frequent pit stops will need to be made on the way back... any other pointers?
Well, until the time comes (mid to end of June), we're just keeping ourselves busy...
Comment
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Comment by Kate on May 8, 2008 at 12:26pm
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Lexi, here are some tips from my trip... take em or leave em :D
1. If you don't want to buy a bottle of water, remember to bring one with you... very basic and yet I forgot it in the rush to get out the door in the morning.
2. Don't rush.
3. Bring a chew toy along for him to entertain himself with just in case he doesn't end up coming with one. Having extras doesn't hurt.
4. Get directions TO the breeders but also BACK from the breeders. I seemed to think I could just reverse my directions and ended up driving a bit farther than I needed to.
5a. Bring an extra person! You will want to play/look at your puppy and you can't do that if you have to drive the entire time.
5b. Just remember that your puppy will most likely not be potty trained so he should probably stay in the crate. Staying in the crate is also a safer method of travel. By all means, take him out every once in a while. I just wouldn't let him ride out the entire time.
Best of luck! You'll love your little darling.
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Comment by Lexi on May 6, 2008 at 3:05pm
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I don't think I could stand the idea of shipping a puppy... and I do think that airports these days are not worth the trouble in terms of security. I travel frequently and just traveling by myself can be frustrating; I get nervous thinking about having a little puppy with me. Not to mention the fact that only Southwest flies direct from Sacramento to Ontario and since Southwest has a no animal policy, that idea went away pretty quickly.
I guess a road trip is our only option, but one I can live with.
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I too had to convince my boyfriend (now my husband) to get a corgi! Now he is absolutley in LOVE with Oakley. I'm going to be driving six hours to (hopefully) pick up a puppy on Wednesday. Dogs tolerate flying, but it can be a really uncomfortable experience for them. I'll let you know how it goes! It sounds like you are already bringing everything that I would recommend. Good luck with the wait... I know the pain!
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Comment by Megan and Penelope on May 5, 2008 at 6:53pm
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We'll be driving 5 + hours for our corgi. Hopefully, if we get a girl from the first litter (the breeder had 2 litters, one will be ready at the end of May, 2nd about the same time as yours), I'll let you know how it went and anything I learn that could be helpful along the way.
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Comment by Sam on May 5, 2008 at 6:11pm
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If it were me and driving were an option that is what I would choose. It would give you far more hands on time with your new pup as well as give you the chance to make him feel more secure. All the shuffling around in the airport I think would be most difficult for a little one. The many noises, lots of people, movement and the pressure changes of being on a plane are huge for one day in a little tykes life. Yep, folks ship pups all the time but I would only do it as a last option.
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Comment by Sam Tsang on May 5, 2008 at 5:18pm
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thanks for sharing Lexi, if you're in the mood of a road trip, then the 7 hour drive is worth it, remember it's 14 hours total :) Since the pup is young, you can bring him on the plane with you, no need for cargo, but check with your airline tho, i think they charge around 60-80 bucks, but you can get home within an hour or 2, so it'll save your a lot of time and "less" traumatic for the pup. Let us know how it goes :)
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