From Scotland to Ireland. Riley Comes Home

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Forgive this post if it has the hallmarks of a rambling oddball but I'm putting it down to happy exhaustion.  I crept out during partner snore pauses)  of the cottage at 2.30 am to make the 7 am sailing from Northern Ireland  which is a three and a half hour drive from home.  The sailing was calm and I slept for a half hour.  Then I drove and drove and drove, through Glasgow and Edinburgh and high up to the north of Scotland very near the Famous St Andrews Golf Course.   I poured a whole bottle of water into my lap at one stage so had to drive with wet pants!  My phone died so I had no phone and just a memory of the instructions as to which village to go to and which lane to turn down!  My memory didn't fail me and I arrived at the Breeders House at the foot of the mountains at 1pm.  It was a little overwhelming and when I finally picked Riley up in my arms all I could think of was thank goodness he is so good looking becasue I wasn't 100% sure from the pictures I had received. I met the Mum and Dad, both lovely dogs.  Four of Rileys brothers were there with him.  At first I didn't know which one he was!  I was so worried about the drive home that I refused a cup of coffee (my flask was in the car).  We had to put the soft top down to get the crate into the back seat and luckily it went back over with the crate firmly wedged.  I had brought puppy pads, wipes, plastic bags etc so I didn't need anything though I did take a bag of RIley's food though the breeder and her husband and son said he probably wouldn't eat anything (they were wrong!)

So, with puppy in the back of the car, I turned around to make the journey home.  It wasn't until I was out of sight of the house that I took time out to stop the car, take him out and give him a big cuddle.  He is a sweet and calm puppy who just loves cuddles.  The whole journey home was made easier because Riley didn't throw up and basically slept most of the way.  Even on the boat when I had to leave him in the car I asked the First Mate to go and check on him which he kindly did.  Fast asleep!  I stopped a few time and took him out in my arms.  We didn't get very far on each occasion before people were asking what kind of dog he was and admiring him.  The worst part of the journey was the last leg home.  The boat docked at 10.30pm and at 12.30 I thought I was going to fall asleep at the wheel so I pulled over into a car park and got out for a short walk.  I seriously debated at that point to sleep in the car but I got a second wind and was home an hour later.  I had phoned my partner during the day to tell him where I was and he said " you mad woman! just get home safe."  He was waiting and his reaction to Riley is absolutely wonderful. I know he loves dogs, I know he wanted one but I wasn't prepared for my macho man to be so moved. He keeps saying it feels like having a baby!!! and that he is really looking forward to getting all the children over to introduce Riley to them. He says he is going to get up early in the mornings and take Riley for the first walk of the day as soon as he's old enough.  He keeps saying thank you for the best present he ever got.

So far Riley knows 'Sit' and Leave, I started with the clicker and he's learning very fast.  Rule number one is 'Nothing In Life is Free' and 2. He gets no attention unless 4 feet are on the ground.  He cried for a few minutes when we finally went to bed at three am!!! but settled and we had to wake him up at 9.30 this morning.  

 

I just want to say a big thank you to all my friends here and those of you who have supported me on this journey. It was your encouragement and positivity that kept me going.  I clocked 800 miles driving in 23 hours, arrived home safe and it was all worth it.  I couldn't have done it without you all.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thanks for all your wonderful warming comments.  Day one is drawing to a close.  Riley has settled in very quickly.  His favorite sleeping place is on the floor under my computer where he is right now as I write this.  He went into his crate for several short periods during the day.  The first couple of times with a few moans and groans but my middle daughter just came for supper and he stayed in his crate quietly while we eat nearby.  He can piddle for Ireland and I've taken him out literally every half hour.  We have had a couple of accidents when he got excited and was caught short!!  He loves his food and already knows to wait until I say ok to jump into the bowl.  He knows 'sit; and now 'get busy' outside.  The clicker is working well.  We went for a walk around the town and met some new people.  I sat on a bench and of course people came over and wanted to pet him.  Riley seems to love everyone so far.  I have discovered he loves water.  I had the outside tap on and he stuck his head under it and kept playing with the spray.  We can't wait to take him to the beach.  He has the softest coat, more like rabbit fur that when you pick him up he is actually slippery.  A little spot of white fur on the base of his tale is very cute.  I brushed him with a soft brush with no problem and have checked inside his ears and mouth.  I am pretty exhausted and am  hoping for a peaceful night but we will take it as it comes.  I am just so happy to have him.  Riley is everything I wished for and more.

[Susan and Sasha]

Oh Nicky...

Riley Is Just Beautiful!!

What an exciting time you had...going to get your" Chocolate Boy"!

I can't help but to think that the adventure just made his arrival...that much more "Sweet"!!

I loved how your partner was so touched by your "Special Gift:...a "Gift" that will continue to bring Joy...Laughter...and Love into your lives for Many years!

He certainly will be living "The Life Of Riley"...how can he not??!!

I just know that you will be such a loving Doodle Mom...he's a gift that will turn that Macho Man's heart to "Mush" on a daily basis...and Riley is now at "His Forever Home"...exactly where he is supposed to be!!

Sasha and I are sending Great Big Doodle Hugs to All of You...

 

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nicky, He is just adorable. I know it was a long journey, but from where I sit in Pennsylvania, it sounded very exciting. Congratulations and enjoy this little guy. I did the same thing with both my dogs...sat in the car and cuddled them when I had my first chance alone with them.

[GBK]

Congratulations and a Big Welcome home to Riley!!!!  He is so adorable and it brought tears to my eyes as you spoke of your partners reaction.  Really glad all went well, and you will always remember Riley's ride home ;)

[Camilla and Darwin]

CONGRATULATIONS! Oh my goodness, he is the cutest thing ever! So shiney and soft looking. I can not wait to hear more adventures of little Riley!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

OMD! When I got to the pictures my heart just melted!!! Riley is just gorgeous!

Will be very interesting to see how his coat changes! Have fun!!!!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Welcome home Riley!! Finally!! I'm so happy everything turned out good, I would have done the same thing (pulling over and taking him out for a hug!) Congrats!

[Corinna and Krimmi]

He is absolutely adorable.  Thank you for sharing your journey!  The best is yet to come!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

OMG! So glad you are back home safely with your little treasure!! He is gorgeous!! He looks like he has made himself right at home!! Enjoy your new baby!!

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

Oh he is so cute!!!! Definitely worth the drive, I'm sure. Can't wait to follow his pictures as he grows up!