Arrival and settling In.

MONDAY August 13th was the big day. Steve Joe and Ellie went back to the Malvern Hills to collect our new family member. John was our intrepid driver. Linda and Jacob were preparing our puppy's new home and were excitedly awaiting our arrival.

Bailey was one of four puppies who had not yet gone to their new home. He was the first to come to us and definitely had the waggiest tail ! 

We  set off with a little trepidation-visions of howling puppy and canine car sickness had haunted a few of my dreams. In fact there was no need for concern. He commuted on the back seat between Ellie and Steve's towel-draped laps and slept for about 2 of the 4 hours' journey. He even obligingly went for a wee in a Deryshire service station car park. We were busy texting and sending photos to friends and family-I think Linda asked me 5 times how far we were away. We finally got home at about 7pm-a  nine hour round journey and a tribute to John's superb driving skills.

Jacob was waiting outside to greet us and inexplicably dived into the path of the oncoming car! A further demonstration of John's driving skills ensured that Bailey's first hours of life in Hull were not spent in A & E.

Bailey went for a long nose-led inspection of the garden. He ate a little food .He also quickly discovered how to hide under the shed! This somewhat set the tone for ALL future use of the garden. Remarkably, for an eight-week old newly removed from his parents,siblings and home,there was a confident strut to his garden tour. This also set the tone.

However the little vulnerable  boy obscured by bravado was revealed during his first night. I was amazed  that puppies don't howl/whine when seeking help-they cry like distressed human babies. It took all my resolve to follow the advice of every dog owner and dog book-if you comfort them on their first night they will never settle.

TUESDAY August 14th was quite a revelation. The dear little chap seemed to instantly forgive the evil family who had locked him in a crate and left him to weep. He played with Ellie and Jacob for most of the day-Jacob being particularly inseparable. He sleeps a lot between play sessions. He ate a bit of his puppy food, but wasn't particularly bothered. He did enjoy his scrambled egg though.

He seems to be a remarkable little dog who has adapted very quickly to his new life and family. We make sure he has access hourly at least to the garden so that toilet needs are met. But other than that he really doesn't make massive demands. He even voluntarily goes into his crate-dragging in his favourite toys to make it more like home! What a dog!

WEDNESDAY August 15th and THURSDAY August 16th were more "normal" days.He handled car journeys well and was very excited when visitors came bearing gifts.Training on "Sit" and "Come" are going pretty well. But I suspect that the fact that Cheddar cheese is, apparently, the greatest food in the world helps this process greatly. He is still, by and large, a very clean boy.

He now treats the crate as his "nest" and designs it by moving his toys , chew-bones and blanket about. He often sleeps in it during the day and seems to accept his nighttime incarceration.

FRIDAY August 17th The VET !!!. He took this experience, including injection and being intimately examined with great aplomb. He weighs 1.93 kilos. His second injection is booked for a fortnight's time after which he can go out for walks-as long as he accepts being put on his lead. Not keen so far!

SATURDAY August 18th and SUNDAY August 19th. His weekend involved lots of play in the garden with the various kids who were here. Every day we are doing some training with him. He (usually!) comes when called and (usually!) sits when instructed. He kind of accepts the collar but for the most part sees the lead as either a new chew toy or as a signal to stand stock still.

WEEK ONE SUMMARY..We are absolutely delighted with Bailey's progress. He is a very loving and sociable little dog and has already become an integral part of our family. I find myself frequently gazing at him in wonderment that something so small, furry and cute can inspire such strong feelings in all of us. I can wholeheartedly recommend this experience to non-dog owners, with the cautionary note that you need to research extensively beforehand and that you have to be prepared to put time and effort into making it work. He has enhanced all our lives!

 

Bailey at 9 weeks