I'm having a mild, no a major panic attack!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm due to travel on Wednesday to collect my puppy from Scotland in the UK.  I had it all worked out.  Early flight to Edinburgh, hire a car, drive to breeder (2hours) collect puppy, drive back to Glasgow airport, leave car back, taxi to Car Ferry (4 hours) and be collected in Northern Ireland then a two/three hour drive home.  That was` mad enough but I just decided to do a double check with the Ferry, and they just told me catagoricaly no way could I travel with a puppy as a foot passenger.  Even though they said when I booked that I could travel with the puppy but that he would have to be crated and stay in a room on the car deck.   I got nowhere with them on the phone and I obviously can't take a chance.

So now onto Plan B. I take the 7.15 ferry to Scotland (it's a three hour drive from here) drive 3 hours.  Pick up the puppy and go back the same way on the 8pm sailing.  Oh and also it's cost me a fortune with no refund for the other fares.  So, that's 12 hours driving in total. (6 with Riley)  Am I mad....??? I have booked it so please wish me ENERGY and good luck on this coming Wednesday.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

GOOD LUCK!!  I can't believe he's finally coming home!!  It will ALL be worth it!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

You'll be exhausted, but it will be so worth it because you'll be bring your puppy home with you.  After all this waiting, it's down to just a couple of days!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

You'll be so excited, the adrenalin will give you all the energy you need!  (The next day, once the adrenalin leaves your system, will be another story, but at least you'll be home.)  I am SOOOO excited for you!  Remember every detail of your trip so you can blog about it!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Thanks for all your wonderful positive messages. I'm feeling a bit better about it already.  It will be a 3am (yes I did say 3am start) but I'm expecting the adrenalin to kick in!  You are all so wonderful, I am so much better prepared thanks to the great advice and friendship here on DK. The good thing is I will have my own car and will have the boot (read trunk) full of all emergency supplies!  Baby wipes, plastic bags, plastic gloves, cleaner, blankets,toys,food, water, camera etc etc etc...

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Anything worth having is worth working hard for ..... that's what my Mom always told us when we were growing up!  I can assure you, it will be worth it!

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Oh, Nicky,  your Doodle will make every second of the trip so worth it!  Lots of deep breathing and visualizaiton of your beautiful new puppy.  We will be thinking of you all day and sending you lots of positive energy!  We can't wait to see pictures and hear all about your trip.  Best to you and your DEAR DEAR DOODLE!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You're making me laugh.  Your story though is so much more romantic and adventuresome.  My story is way to long and goes on over several days of doodle trains, foster dogs, dog fights,  and several States to travel.  It started on Tuesday at 6am and sleepless until Friday morning at 1am  NO SLEEP!   But I traveled over a 1.000 miles in those days  get my doodle because I knew she needed to be with me. Site unseen, she was coming back to Ohio.  No,  not the puppy mill in Ohio she came from, but a real life with people and dogs who would love her and keep her safe. 

I'm so excited for you.  We all are I think.  We have been waiting with you so long. 

Nicky, you are such a great blogger~~ I know, fashion blogger but still your adventure I look forward to reading.    Once you have him in your arms, he will be taking care of your heart. 

This is your first test.  Usually the hardest things to obtain are the ones that are so worth the effort.

I AM SO EXCITED IT IS FINALLY HERE!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I think to rescue a Doodle must be the most fantastic thing to do.  I often look at the rescue dogs who need forever homes and if I lived in the US I might very well be tempted.  I think you made an amazing journey.  I hate those Puppy Mills...

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

 Here's why I am going alone....My partner thinks the puppy is arriving Thursday and that I'm going on a business trip on Wednesday.  Riley is his birthday present (his b-day was in May) He knows it's a Labradoodle and he named him Riley.  He says every dog of ours has 'The Life of Riley'  He doesn't know I'm going to the ends of the earth to get him, nor that he is Chocolate colour.  My friends have told me that he's talking to them all the time about his new puppy, his golf buddies tell me that he has invited them over to see the new arrival!!  This, by the way is an old fashioned macho man who doesn't know how the washing machine or the cooker works!!!! This is why I am making this journey alone though I have told my ex hubby (just so someone knows where I am)  ex Hubby and partner plotted together and sprung an amazing 50th birthday party for me nearly two years ago. They both love dogs BTW  ( I wouldn't dream of being with a man who didn't) LOL 

[Phoebe's Mom]

I think this is the coolest part of your journey yet!  Good luck and enjoy it all...even the rough parts (though I am hoping those will be few and far between).  I look forward to hearing all about the trip and seeing lots of photos of your new 'fur baby.'

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

....see even more romantic and adventuresome thatn I thought!   Oh and now I can add confusing and complicated... ex husband, partners.... LOL

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Awww...what a terrific birthday surprise!  Glad you were able to find out and get plan B in advance.  The journey will be complete in less than two days and will be soooooooo worth it.  I cannot wait to see pics of your little guy!  Take some pics of your man's face when he meets his little Riley for the first time too!