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.

[Lindsey]

oooohhhhhhhhh FINALLY!!!! YAYYYY!!

How ADORABLE is he!!!?!!
Thanks for sharing the coming home story, I feel like we've all been waiting with you.
Now, just keep us updated with the first few nights home...oh and more pictures!! please :-)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Beautiful doodle...I LOVE chocolate doods :)  What an adventure you had getting your puppy. Enjoy the first few weeks...nothing like it. It's hard but so wonderful.  I miss Peri's cute puppy face and antics.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

OM Goodness, those eyes!  He is adorable!  I'm sure the 23 hour drive is already forgotten with all the joy of having a new puppy in the house!  Don't forget to take lots of pictures and date them for future reference.  He will grow so fast so enjoy it now!

[Angie, Hudson and Lily]

He is absolutely beautiful!!! Your post made me tired just reading it! I was exhausted from my 6 hour roundtrip drive to get Lily. I  can't imagine how tired you must be after yours. Doodles are worth it though, and I'm sure now that you have him home to love and admire, your long trip seems like a distant memory.  Enjoy your Doodle! :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy to hear you are home safe and sound and that your journey was uneventful. Riley is a beauty and I'm sure he is going to be one well loved member of the family.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Yeah!!!!  All the waiting... all the planning... and he's here!  Oh my God, Nicky, he's adorable.  I'm so glad you made the journey safely and that you, Riley, and your partner are already in love!!  Keep the pictures coming!