Rooney & Stuart are outta here!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I can't take another Florida summer!  I've been trying to jog a bit in an effort to lose weight (no such luck, now I'm just a fit, fat person) and even going out the door at the crack of dawn leaves me trying to run in 90 degree heat with 85 percent humidity, not an easy task for a chubby almost 55 yr old.  So this Thursday the puppy hauler 2011 is pulling out of the drive way for the 22 hour drive to Michigan.  Thankfully dd lives in Atlanta and we will pit stop there for the weekend before that last 12 hour leg to arrive in Michigan on Monday.   I'm driving the boys up myself - dh will fly to MI a bit later.  Truthfully - he would have rode with us but I am going to have the suv packed to the roof with all the dog beds, toys, food (can't get Orijen in our little town), so I couldn't spare the space - besides - since his job loss - he is with us 100% of the time and I am looking forward to a little me & the boys time.  So cooler weather - here we come - the boys are going to LOVE that!

I have a few concerns though.  We have never been able to get our beachfront condo sold and so that is where we are staying.  I see no issues with Rooney but Stuart is going to provide some challenges.  We are on the 5th floor with balconies off the beach side and the river/town side. 

A baby Stuart last year on the balcony. 

Because our condo is right at the edge of a public park, and a long pier - there are always lots of people walking, having picnics, weddings in the pavilion, etc.  Stuart is a barker watch dog, who feels the need to let me know when anyone or anything is near.  I'm worried that he might cause problems barking.  I hate to leave the a.c. on but I might have to resort to closing the sliders, and the shades so that he can't see the activity. Stuart was only at the condo once before when he was a baby and only for a week.  When I'm in the condo I should be able to quiet him down but I want to be able to leave them while I run, bike or whatever, I'm worried that they'll hear someone in the hallway waiting for the elevator and go nuts - I'll be lurking out there trying to see how they behave, pretending to have left - the neighbors are going think I'm a nut job. 

Rooney on the pier last summer - look at all that water.

Also the river is right there and I will NOT be able to let Stuart get loose as I'm scared to death that he might jump in, that boy loves to swim!  This is a big river with boats coming and going and it is in a channel so once in - unless you can climb a latter there is no way to get out.  I can see the Coast Guard station from my place - they are always scooping people (sometimes dead) out of the river and lake so this is a big concern. 

Any advise from apartment or condo livers would be most welcome!  I see a wonderful summer ahead of fun, family and friends but with some challenges as well.   

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Katie - you don't have to do anything.  Between FL and Michigan all the states that you would drive through have reciprocity.  Google it and you'll find where you can go to check each state.  Also note that while it is legal in those states some of their rules are different and you do need to know what those rules are.

[Gail and Bailey]

Katie- go to this site and you will find out all you need to know. 

http://www.carryconcealed.net

[Katie and Sophie]

You guys are awesome :)  I just got it very recently, so I haven't had a lot of time to look at the state to state laws.  this helps a lot!

[Anna and Achilles]

good luck on the journey. I think the boys will get used to the new environment and the rules that go with it. Enjoy the cooler weather.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have no advice on the challenges, (except that I have to keep the A/C on June through September/October because of JD's allergies, and you learn to live with it :D ) but I wish you a safe trip and a wonderful cool summer!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Maybe a side trip over to the Chicago area?  LOL

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I cannot tell you how thrilled I would be if you could fit that in! To have a chance to meet you and the boys, OMD! If you think it's even a possibility, let me know!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Karen - it would be a blast huh?!  But then you'd see see that while Rooney is a well behaved doodle bug - Stuart gets a little out of control at times.  LOL  I don't plan to come back to FL till in September so we might just have to plan a drive over.  Not sure where you are but from my place to down town Chicago - 1.5 hrs on I94 - for me just a hop, skip and a jump away!!!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm in the Northwest suburbs, so the trip would be a little longer, but I promise to make it worthwhile, lol!

JD is very good at dealing with "out-of-control" doodles, and he's bigger than Stuart, lol. No problemo!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Lets talk the end of this month - I'm thinking I might make a road trip over to say hello sometime in July if you are going to be around.  I'd LOVE to meet the famous Jackdoodle!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am always around, lol. Let's talk. :)

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Looks like you all will be having a wonderful summer!  I have no advice regarding condo living, as we live in the country, but it sounds like you have most things thought through and will do just fine!  Enjoy the cooler weather and the fun adventures you and the boys will surely have!