Making plans for a Christmas pup

[c zoomer]

Hi Everyone!  I'm new...my first time writing, and I'm hoping you will share any tips on planning for a possible heavy snow day puppy Pick day and 2 weeks later puppy pick UP day in the Great Lakes snow belt.

It would be a 9+  hour drive in good weather (no stops), more than likely 12 hours, with stops. 17 hrs by train. Flying would eat up 2 hours in security, and 2 flight time, plus 1 for the rental car and 1.5 to drive to the breeder. (6.5)  The real concern would be heavy snow on pick UP day.  I would like to avoid a puppy nanny if possible and possibly take the train going To and then travel by air going home with the pup.  Amtrak told me that a dog cannot travel by train on any long trip since they're not allowed to leave their carrier to potty.

I would just love meeting all of the pups in the litter, which is why I'm thinking of making 2 trips. My breeder has not told me where I am in the picking order. The best part is I am very happy with the parent dogs.  They are lovely and just what I would like for my own pup, so picking one will be easy...or maybe not so easy grin>>

So, any snow stories and tips?  I almost wish pick day was the same as Pick Up day if we could visit with ALL the pups for a while.  Since they will be 9 weeks between Christmas and New Years, perhaps that would make it easier for the breeder.

My doodle will be my retirement companion.  I had promised myself a dog for so many years, but was not home enough.  My cats were great, but not really able to travel with me or go fishin'.  A doodle will enjoy the outdoors and will be a fishing buddy. I also look forward to doing some flyball and obedience work and hope the pup will too.  Please send stories of your puppy pick day and Pick Up day, especially if you were traveling long distances.

My special thanks,

Colleene

 

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

I miss snow! I'm in Florida and it is still in the high 90s everyday. I learned to drive in Boston and I remembered the worst was ice.

[Sam&Bella]

I can't wait until winter! I was so happy when the 2016 blizzard came a few weeks after I moved to md!That was good timing:) Trust me, the heat will get worse! But its mostly the humidity and muggy-ness.  That's the uncomfortable part:(

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

I'm dying to leave this state and move to California

[Sam&Bella]

Yes!!!! I couldn't wait to move. People think that Florida is like Hawaii but the only thing special about it is there are nice beaches, and no seasons. The rest of Florida is normal. Nothing super special, unless you go to a city with lots of $$ like Naples.(I lived there at one point) I would love to move to San Francisco. The temperature is supposed to be PERFECT! :^)

[Sam&Bella]

Congrats on your new puppy!! I wish I could help, but I just moved to the north:)

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I did a 23 hour round journey by car and ferry to collect Riley in another country. Looking back at it ( five and a half years ago) I must have been mad. I did it alone and without telling anyone as it  was a surprise. Luckily there were no weather conditions to contend with, just terrible fatigue and having to get to the ferry travelling from Ireland to Scotland on time to get home. I would not drive in snow or ice it is just too dangerous and I also would take someone on this journey with you. I didn't get to choose Riley or visit before pickup and I was so worried but I needn't have as the breeder chose the very best dog for us. I think it gave her an added responsibility as I have no doubt we got the best puppy in the litter. It was love at first sight. Good Luck

[c zoomer]

If I go by car, I'll take your advice and ask someone to travel with me, although 2 old ladies stuck in snow don't have much going for them!  The cell phone will be kept charged just in case. btw, the reason I'm starting planning so early is because of everyone traveling at Christmas. There was only one sleeping berth left on the day of the puppy visit.  Thanks, You'all for sharing.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Whereas I don't have a weather issue, I live in NYC and on Nov. 12, I am flying to North Carolina to pick up my standard size labradoodle puppy who will accompany me in-cabin back to NYC.  The breeder has made arrangements to meet me at the airport with my puppy; I will not see the puppy before that date, however, I trust the breeder implicitly as the puppy is going to be trained to work with crime victims, and an outside evaluator will determine which members of the litter have the greatest therapy/service potential.   If possible, I would suggest you ask the breeder if arrangements could be made to meet you at the airport, so the puppy could accompany you in cabin on the way home.  I'm flying United, and you could explore the airlines whose flights meet your needs, and read their pet in cabin transport policies.  My beloved labradoodle Paz, who recently crossed the rainbow bridge, was transported in cargo and did very well; however, I've decided I'm more comfortable transporting this puppy in the cabin with me.   Essentially, all of this sounds a lot more safe, that negotiating icy, unfamiliar and treacherous roads......just not worth the risk!