Moving?

[Brianne_Kathrine]

It looks like I will be moving to Dallas, TX in a few months. I am back in school and this just seems to be the path that life is taking me down. Its good and I am very excited. I'm a pre-med student and have decided to do my pre-med work at the University of Texas- Dallas.

The pieces are falling into place. I have found an apartment that allows dogs and even has a fenced in "back yard". Granted its a small back yard, but its completely fenced with a brick enclosure...they cannot dig out of that! I won't need a job right away, but will try to find one in the first month or two of getting to Dallas.

Sally, my high energy Westie, will do just fine. I am not worried about Sally handling the transition. But Benny, the oh so sweet but oh so neurotic Cairn, does not handle change very well.

Does anyone have any suggestions for making this easier for Benny? I think he'll handle the car ride pretty well, but its the stress of when he first gets there and being in a new place that worries me. A few of my friends have suggested finding new homes for my dogs, but I COULD NEVER DO THAT!!!

Its funny that with all the stresses of moving, selling my house, finding a job, applying to school...the thing that worries me most is how Benny will handle it all.

[BetsyNoodle]

Are you planning on applying to medical school? I did my pre-med at a university in Texas, but I had no pets at that time. It is a very long, arduous journey but, in the end, so worth all the energy you will expend along the way.

I suspect, even though Benny is "neurotic", in his mind home is where you are. My Min Pin and Cairn Mix handled six moves very easily in all the years I was blessed to share my life with them. Each time we moved they would explore every inch of the new house and yard and then settle in.

Wishing you the best with the move and good luck in your studies!

[Brianne_Kathrine]

I'm about a year and a half to two years out from being ready to apply for Medical School. I'll probably begin exploring medical school options in the next six months or so. Seems crazy to be thinking about that already, but it comes up quick. Its a little daunting the think about the journey that lies ahead of me, but I'm very excited and know it will be worth it in the end. Texas has some great Universities and I am very excited about moving to Texas as I have lots of family there.

You are right, Benny will be happiest wherever I am and that will be 'home' to him. I think I will probably use his crate for the first few months to help with the adjustment and to give him a secure area.

[ginnyaiken]

Benny might surprise you. I moved last Sept. to join dh who'd started a new job in another state, and neither Gidget nor Goldie had much trouble after the first two or three days. As soon as our stuff--furniture, rugs, etc.--was delivered, they were practically back to normal. And Gidget is quirky. When dh would go back to spend weekends at the old house, she'd go all weird, forget her housetraining, destroy odd stuff (I'm still mad about my cherrywood display cabinet's gnawed corner).

[MegsMom]

Home is usually where their people, familiar smells, toys and food are to our furkids. I'm sure they'll both adjust fine, and the fact that your Sally is so adaptable will likely help Benny adjust.

Nope, I wouldn't suggest rehoming your kids, unless you really thought it best for them, sometimes it's the furkids that keep a busy world 'balanced'.

Best of luck in your new adventures!

[Brianne_Kathrine]

Rehoming would never be an option for me. I love Benny and Sally way too much and I agree with Megsmom...they help keep this crazy world balanced. The two are fighting over the same toy right now and I cannot stop laughing. I am giving up a lot and traveling to a totally new place, I am from Michigan, and having my two furry kids will make the transition easier.

I guess my biggest concern is that Benny will forget his housetraining skills and pee on everything in the apartment. Benny took forever to housebreak and even now he still slips every now and again. (once every month or so) But I figure I'll go back to crate training.

Oy, my head is spinning though. So much to think about. I have a realtor coming monday to look at my house so I can list it. I am preparing to tell my boss on Tuesday. (He's going to be sad that I am leaving.) So much, but so exciting. And yes, with all the stuff to deal with before I move...I worry most about Benny. Ah, the wonderful life of being owned by a Cairn Terrier.

[Hawkeye]

We had to move some years back and I was concerned about Casey handling the move and she did fine. I think having the same furniture and their "stuff" makes it home, just new corners to sniff. Your right in thinking Benny may pee in the new place...he may want to mark the apartment a few times especially if another animal lived there before. You'll just have to remind him of his manors

Good luck on your move!