New puppy comin' - need advice!

[Squeaky]

I love animals- and over the years have had and loved my share of expensive purebred beauties, both dogs and cats.
Four years ago I adopted 2 cats from the local shelter, and in the process I visited many times and saw so many sad homeless unwanted animals there- it just broke my heart. I also saw all the volunteers there working on a bare shoestring budget.
That was when I decided that from then on I would adopt shelter animals whenever I was ready for another "child".
Since then, I give a small donation to 2 different animal shelters here every year. Our stringband also volunteers our music services for the fund raising event of the Humane Society as well, which is a huge success.
I DO empathize with your wanting a new and very special dog in your life. But all those hundreds of dollars spent just to GET the puppy to you?- please do consider how many homeless and sick abandoned animals could be saved or helped with that kind of money. Or perhaps there is room in your heart and home for a "rescue shepherd" waiting near you somewhere and hoping beyond hope for a home it may never have?
I don't mean to be judgemental- just wanted to raise another viewpoint to consider as well...

Well said. I cry whenever I walk into an animal shelter, I just can't help it. The homeless dogs and cats always get overlooked for the new shinny models. I want to save them all...

[chickwhorips]

another thought: is the breeder that your getting the puppy from crate training the puppies at all? if she is then it will make traveling much easier for the both of you. i know some breeders do crate train while others don't.

[Lenusik]

Congratulations on the new puppy! If you can drive back, it is much easier on the dog, especially this young. Here is a wonderful website that will help you plan your trip and find pet friendly hotels: http://www.petswelcome.com/
I love this site and use it a lot!
Do not send your puppy in a baggage. This is very stressful and not safe especially for a puppy that can catch anything. If you could take him in cabin, it is better. But try to figure out the way to drive back.

[LBTC]

DogMama I am sooo happy that you'll be adding a new love into your family! Congratulations! I know that she/he will bring that special love and healing that you and your DH need.

I agree with Lisa that a pound puppy may be a more karmic and essentially less expensive option, however, my DH and I have our favourite breed (Border Collie) and once even drove three hours, 2 days before Christmas, to pick our Diva up from a breeder. I don't favour dogs from breeders, it was just the scenario that worked at the time. And she's a wonderful addition to the family. You know best what works for you.

The trip sounds complicated, but, like everything else, if it's worth doing (and I know you think it is) you won't mind the details at all. I love some of the ideas that have been posted here.

I flew our special Yogi the cancer dog once in December on WestJet and they were absolutely wonderful, although it was torturous being in the cabin and worrying about him in his crate in cargo. It was avery short flight, and we made it to our destination fine and nearly stress-free. I can't imagine flying any of our babies without one of us being on the plane, too!

I love the charter idea best because it will take so much less time than driving, and should let your baby be with you in the cabin. Not that I've been on one in decades, but does anyone take the train anymore? I wonder if there are options there, since it is more comfortable than a car in that you can walk around, and have your own cabin....but I have no idea if there is passenger/overnight train service in your area, or if they allow dogs.....just maybe something to consider. It would allow you to fly out without having to rent a car to come back (if you didn't want to fly baby home)....and it would let you give baby all the attention you want during the trip. Just a thought.

Keep us posted on what you decide and on how the trip goes.

Namaste,
~T~