You Guys, He's Here!!

[Kaitlin and Ludo]

To say that I'm bubbling with excitement does not even cover it.

Ludo got home late last night and he is an absolute dream.  I am somewhat hesitant to mention this on DK out of some (hopefully) irrational fear of being judged, but Ludo was shipped here on United Airlines PetSafe program. I know that shipping puppies (though I can't find a lot on DK about it) is somewhat controversial.  It was kind of a rocky start, he was supposed to arrive on Wednesday through Delta, but there was an issue with the climate control in the cargo area so his flight was canceled and he was sent United yesterday. It was a long day for him and I was sweaty-palmed with worry, checking flight updates every 10 minutes or so.  But he got here. And he's amazing. I had found a few checklists of things to bring to the airport which included:

• Towels
• Trash bags (to get rid of the absorbent padding in the crate
• Baby wipes in case he's messy,
• Bowl
• Water
• Scissors to cut off the zip ties
• Some kibble
• Paper towels
• Poop pick-up bags
• Collar and leash and ID

Out of everything I packed, I used a towel to lay in my lap just in case he had an accident. I do think it's still a helpful list, but just wasn't necessary for me.

He was a little nervous getting out of his crate, but we gently coaxed him out (I was totally against reaching in and pulling him out) and by the time we got to the car across a short parking lot, he was licking my face.  I held him in the car and he immediate rolled onto his back for me to scratch his belly and we had double leg kicks.  So sweet.  He fell asleep and slept the whole way home!

My four year old niece spent the night and I woke her up (it was around midnight) to come meet him.  We stayed up till 1:30 playing and letting him get used to us. Aside from being a bit mouthy, he was fabulous. 

Bedtime was a little bit rough, he was whimpering every few minutes and when I'd stick my fingers in the crate, he was just pressing against the side to be near me.  I know it's a no-no, and I knew it then. But maybe it was that he'd only been home for 2 hours and that he'd been in a cage all day, but I tucked him into bed next to me and he cuddled up as close as he could get to me and slept through the night.  

He woke up happy, has had no accidents, is starting to learn to sit and has caught onto fetch. Selfishly, I don't regret doing it, I feel like he recognizes me as his primary caregiver and knows I'm his mamma.  I could not be happier and hopefully he feels the same.

[Adina P]

He's darling, congratulations!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

SO SO SO CUTE! Congrats on getting your baby! Moose had a really rough first few nights when he came home and I found that playing calming music (Think yoga or nature sounds) helped him calm down as well as a snuggle puppy, although it sounds like Ludo is doing fantastic already! So happy for you!

[Amy and Annabelle]

He is so adorable, congratulations on your new baby. Annabelle slept with me maybe the first 2 nights after we brought her home. Then she was fine in her crate. I knew she was probably scared since she had been taken from her mama and siblings to an unfamiliar place and people. For us it worked out great. It is good to know about the checklist. I guess it is better to be over prepared, than under.

[Carol and Banjo]

Ohhhh, so exciting!    Sounds like you did everything right.    Best wishes to you and your little cutie!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

He's super cute!  Congratulations on your new BFF!

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Awww, he's adorable!!  Congratulations!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Congratulations. Enjoy you adorable Ludo.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Jenny and Cooper said it perfectly.  There are  only guidelines. We do what we think is the very best at the time.

Until my pup felt secure, you better believe I would tuck him close to me! Perfect. 

It will all fall into place. Let the first crazy year begin! 

[Gail and Bailey]

So glad that Ludo is home with you!! He is adorable! Looking forward to lots of pictures!

[Nancy & Echo]

I, for one, am so happy you told your story.  I wouldn't have thought of coaxing him (rather than pulling him) out of the crate. 

I think that what Jenny said makes total sense.  Everyone's circumstances are different, and if you're happy and Ludo is happy, that's all that counts.  In your circumstances, I probably would have done the same thing.  Everyone makes different decisions on what is right and what is wrong for them.  I think that judging can make it very hard, especially on new, or potentially new owners.  In general, I don't think judging  other people is very productive.

I think both of you have very loving hearts.  Congrats on your new puppy!  I'll look forward to seeing your posts in the future.