Getting ready for our "Apollo" :)

[labfam]

Hi All!
Hope I'm posting this question in the right area of the forum. I'm so pleased to announce that we'll be bringing home our new baby Chocolate Chunk O' Love just prior to Christmas. While we weren't seeking a "Christmas Dog" persay, that's just the way the timing rolled. After losing our beloved Chocolate (Dozer) back in June of this year, there hasn't been a day in which we haven't longed for our baby.

So here's our question: We will need to travel appx. 1.5 hours to pick up our boy. We're looking for advice as to how to make this commute just as easy as possible for him. I can't imagine leaving my "Mama" for the first time... and we just want to make this experience as painless as possible for him. While we are well-versed with middle/older age Labs, this will be our very first puppy experience. We just want to do this right

Also, we're wondering what size crate we should prepare for Apollo's arrival? While I am still researching pros/cons of crating, I would like to have one on hand as needed.

Thank you in advance to all of my fellow Lab Lovers!

~ AJ and family

[tammyhuffman]

Puppies usually do well coming home, have some one sit with him. I traveled 5 hours for my puppy and he was fine. Buy the size crate you will need for when he is full grown just make sure it has dividers in it. I did pack a back pack for the trip home with Maxx, some towels, toys, bottled water, bowl, food, baby wipes, paper towels, leash, collar with I'D, etc. Good luck with your new baby and I am so sorry for your loss in June.

[labfam]

Thank you so much, Tammy! Great tip re: getting a crate with dividers; I'm searching for one now! Love the backpack idea too

Appreciate your condolences for our Dozer. Not sure that we'll ever get over losing him --- but I know that he would want us to open our hearts to a Chocolate Bro

[tammyhuffman]

You are welcome. I understand how you feel, I lost my Ozzy June 28th, very suddenly. He was only 8 and I thought my heart would never heal. Maxx has been a wonderful addition to our home and I was able to tell a story about Ozzy last week without tears, it actually made me smile! Your heart will heal and your new baby will help so much, they are a great distraction! You will never forget your Dozer, he will always be in your heart. I can't wait to hear all about your new baby! Good luck.

[csblabmom]

Love the name! Congrat's on your new baby.

[Beerfish]

Puppy will probably be okay coming home as others have stated. The 1st couple of nights however be prepared to a howl/bawl fest.
Crate training really is the way to go if you ask me. I got a new pup this summer after losing my other lab a bit over a year earlier. The crate really helps house training a great deal and my now 6 month old pup knows that is his sleeping place.

[CharlieLabMom]

We dog lovers never truly get over the loss of our great furry friends! My family had two collies while I was growing up and I still miss them. My kids never met Kirsty or Rocky but love to hear me tell stories about them. I resisted getting a dog for my family for so long because they are such a responsibility, but experiencing all the joy we have with Charlie makes up for all the extra work.

Echo the crate training advocates! Our Charlie does fantastic with the crate. It is a safe place for him and gives me peace of mind when we do have to leave him alone. Lots of luck with your new baby!

[Sophiesmama]

We picked Sophie up an hour and a half away. The breeder was 3 hours away and met us in the middle. Sophie rode with the breeder along with one of her siblings. Our breeder told us the other pup got car sick, but Sophie didn't. Yay! We picked her up, and she slept in my husband's arms all the way home. The first night she was crying so my husband slept on the floor with her. She really did fine. It seemed like we became her littermates, since she didn't seem to miss them. She was 8 weeks when we got her. We lost our 12 yr old suddenly in May and it was devastating! I know how you feel. The puppy will help.

[labfam]

Hi All!
Thank you so much for all of the great responses! I feel like a little kid at Christmas doing the countdown for Apollo's arrival. Just this morning, we learned that we visit all of the pups on December 9. SOOOO excited.

SophiesMama~ Your girl is just beautiful! Love the pics! Thanks for relating to our loss of Dozer.

Charlie Lab Mom~ Thanks for reassuring me re: crate training. Charlie is precious!

Beerfish~ Thanks for the heads up on the howl/bawl fest. I know it's going to break our hearts but we'll get through it...


tammyhuffman~ So sorry that we both experienced such a huge loss last June. I'm so glad that you now have Maxx (love that name!)

csblabmom~ Thanks for the compliments on Apollo's name. I was starting to wonder if my family would ever agree on a name-- but this just seems perfect

Thank you again Everyone! Looking forward to being active on the forum!

Take Care!
~AJ

[ORION_07]

Hello! Newbie here...but not a new Lab owner per say. We lost our dear Chocolate Tiber when he was 11 years old.....just about 6 years ago in June.
BUT I am finally ready for a new lab in our lives....our baby girl....a silver factored Chocolate will arrive after Christmas as well. She may end of flying cargo...NOT IDEAL but she is coming in from out of state.
How do I control the things I can??? I just pray for the things I can't...makes a planner like me a little crazy.
And congrats to you on your new baby boy as well..labfam.