[Jesskyjam]

Hi Everyone, I have been “stalking” the forums for weeks now. I’ve been waiting until I actually brought my baby home to post, but I can’t wait any more. I am SO Excited. I am counting down the days, I cannot wait until this Saturday when she officially becomes a member of our family. Ok, I’m getting a little ahead of myself, I’m Jess, I live with my hubby and 2 daughters 6 & 9. On Saturday, Cookie (I think we’ve decided on the name) is coming home at 12 weeks old, did I mention I’m excited!

Since I’ve been reading for weeks I know that you guys have a wealth on basically everything! I’ve read through the Sticky threads as well as the non sticky ones. Here’s the gist of what I have learned, please feel free to correct me if I am wrong… What I’ll need readily available when she comes home is a travel crate, blanket, bed, toys, current food, nutrical, pedialyte, treats, grooming kit, potty place, and a quiet environment. The breeder will have the current food she is eating now available for me when I pick her up which I’ll wean` her off of gradually after a few days to help the transition smooth. I know once she gets there I shouldn’t expect an energetic puppy as she will need some time to adjust and she may not eat well but I should monitor her intake to make sure she eats and drinks something. As far as training the important thing is consistency and praise. And of course show her lots of love!

I do have some questions, they seem dumb to me, like I should know this stuff, but I’m going to ask because I don’t know. She is 2 ½ hrs away, my hubby and I have decided to go get her while the girls are at their Sat activities (yes, they know she is coming) all I plan on bringing with me are her travel crate and a blanket. Is that it? Do I need to bring her anything else, a toy, water? I would think no water because we don’t want her to relieve herself in the crate, right? And also, does she have to ride in the crate? Can’t I just hold her and stroke her the whole ride like I really want to do, but if you say she should ride in the crate *sigh* she will. How I envision having it set up is an x pen with bed on one side, litterbox on the other side and food/water bowls and a few toys in her space. I have a few questions on this as well, how much food should I be giving her and how often? For the first few days “the adjustment period” should I just leave the food and water available to her at all times? I plan on litter training her until the weather warms up and there is less likely hood of rain and snow, but where I initially plan on putting the box is not where I will keep it once she has access to the whole house, will this be a problem? Ok bare with me cause I feel this is a really dumb question… Will my 2lb 10oz baby have trouble getting into the litter box? Btw, I’ll be lining it with a pee pad not litter so I don’t have to worry about her eating any litter. I could come up with a thousand more questions, I just want to do everything right, and make sure she has the easiest transition possible. I feel like I’m having my first born all over again, lol. Anyway thanks for reading and hopefully responding. Oh I also have a post in the regional forums looking for recommendations on vet, groomer, and pet supply stores, if you know any in my area, please let me know. Btw, did I mention that I am super excited!!