Can you believe it's December!? You know that means...my puppies are going to be born this month!!! Of course, only one of them will be mine, but since I'm just a possessive person, I'll keep referring to them as my puppies. Back in October the breeder estimated that my puppy mama (pictured right) would be having her liter around December 15th. I haven't heard anything new, so I'm still operating under the assumption that that is the big day (or there abouts). I just emailed the breeder, so we'll see what she says.After all this time I still feel so unprepared! I never read most of the books I wanted to read, though that's partly because I've had a hard time getting them back from the library after I had to return them the first time around. We never fixed that fence. We never chose a vet or a training facility. I guess most of that stuff I don't even need to do until after the puppy comes home (except the vet, which we'll want to pick out right before). I guess I'm just getting nervous because this is my first dog, and I want everything to go great.
Well after the puppies are born, I get to do the fun part of the puppy preparation: shopping! That's right, I'll need collars, leashes, food bowls, a crate, bedding, toys, chews, treats, food, etc. All the stuff you need when you first bring your puppy home I have none of. That's going to be a fun, but expensive trip to the pet store (it'll probably be more like 3 or 4 pet stores, but that's ok).
Update: I just got an email back from the breeder. My puppy mama is huge and the puppies are due by the 17th! 13 days!
13 comments:
My shopping list is getting long too... and pricey! Just a little less than 2 weeks before they're born!
Ooh, what's on your shopping list Lynn?
Oh man, those 8 weeks after they're born are going to be painful! I'm sure my breeder will want to KILL me by the end of it because I'll be bugging her everyday for new pictures and descriptions of puppies! :)
Ok, since you asked....:P. Here is my "Needs" list:
-Dog Crate (haven't decided wire or plastic yet, but 30" long for wire and medium size for plastic)
-crate mat
-Exercise Pen (30" high)
-Dog Bed
-Dog Collar (adjustable with quick release buckle) + Leash
-Dog Bowls
-Enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle
-Doggie Door
-Kong, Nylabones (puppy versions)
-Food on recommendation from breeder
-Furminator (medium size)
-Nail Clippers (on recommendation from breeder)
And toys and treats, which I figure I'll be getting whether or not I have it on this list or not.
Wow, our lists are practically identical! I'm also debating between the wire and plastic crates. I've always been partial to the plastic ones, but I'm also concerned that it might get too hot in the summer. But it would also be handy to use for traveling.
I also need an exercise pen. I was going to try and go the baby gate route to give my puppy more room, but my house just isn't laid out right for that to work.
I'm definitely getting a furminator! I've heard good things. :)
Ok, so yes, I think about lists when I'm falling asleep. So here is what I thought of last night... You probably will already have a plastic crate. Since your puppers is getting shipped from Tulsa s/he will have to be shipped in a plastic crate. Granted, it may be smaller than what you want for an adult corgi, and may not be as fancy as one you would buy yourself, but it's still a crate.
I just noticed the update from the breeder. The 17th! That's soon! :)
Congratulations on the new "puppy-to-be"! You don't have to spend a fortune on chews and toys - take a look at www.i-pets.com. Lots of great chewies for your new arrival, at excellent prices.
LOL! Well I hope you get a kick back from them with that kind of endorsement!
I think when I'm first buying toys and chews, I'll be buying them at stores, just because I'll know exactly what I'm getting (I can hold it, judge for quality/looks, etc.). Once I know what I like, then I'll probably be fine with buying stuff online. Thanks for the info.
Nothing saying you can't start shopping now! How can you hold off? All that cute dog stuff to buy!
Hehe, good question Jenna! You know, I think I'm just afraid that if I start buying puppy stuff too early I'll jinx it! I think I can wait another 9 days. :p
Plus, I'm super busy right now with work. I barely have enough time to do any Christmas shopping! I think I'll have to wait until after the holidays before I shop anyway. Hopefully I'll luck out with great after Christmas prices! ;)
I hope you don't mind a stranger commenting, but I just stumbled across your blog today. I have a PWC, he is 10 months old and we named him Gonzo, after Hunter S. Thompson (he is my fiance's inspiration).
I noticed that you haven't chosen a type of crate yet. We decided on a Port-a-Crate E2, and it's a washable fabric. You can also collapse the bed for when it's not in use. It is a bit more expensive, but I think it's worth it. Gonzo loves it.
We were also given the Bitter Apple spray by our friends - it doesn't hurt your dog but if you spray it on items he/she likes to chew on, they'll taste bad.
Good luck with your Corgi pup!
Hehe. If I minded strangers commenting, I wouldn't turn commenting on! You're more than welcome Nicole. :)
I'm not familiar with Hunter S. Thompson's work, but I am familiar with Jim Henson's work, and Gonzo the muppet is awesome. ;) Hehe. Speaking of muppets, what about Rowlf? I still like the Nintendo character names better, actually.
Hmm, that's a nice crate, but I don't think I'll go for a soft-sided crate. I just feel like it's not sturdy enough to handle a puppy. I could just see it getting trashed really fast. Really I think I go for the plastic crates because my friend growing up who had a CWC had a plastic crate, so to me that's just always been what crates should be. It's totally psychological. Heh.
I tortured myself and went into the pet store at the mall over the weekend. Wouldn't you know it, they had a 3 month old PWC puppy. It was soooo cute! I melted when I looked into those adorable puppy eyes! I would never buy from a pet store. I don't know why I went in (well actually my friend's little sister dragged me in), but it always makes me sad, but at the same time excited to get my own puppy. So many emotions!
By the way, Nicole, I'm always on the lookout for cute pictures and videos of Corgis, so drop me a line if you want to show Gonzo off. ;) Do you belong to mycorgi.com or anything?
I don't belong to mycorgi.com or anything but I'll check it out.
Now that I think of it, Gonzo did chew on the inside of his crate. He didn't ruin it but that's only because we made him stop, haha.
I know what you mean about pet stores. I always become sad knowing where the puppies came from.
I have a ton of pictures and videos of Gonzo, I will have to send you the links.
Post a Comment