I'm getting a puppy!

[Lei-Quinn]

After Grania died nearly two years ago, I knew I wanted to get another Cairn. One just isn't enough. It has taken me this long to get my DH to agree, but he finally did. We went yesterday to meet the mommy-to-be and the daddy. Both are very sweet. The lady breeding them seems nice and caring. Puppies will be born about the second week in February, so I won't have my puppy until at least mid-April. We get first pick out of the litter.

I haven't had a puppy for 10 years. I hope that Duncan will not mind having a new brother (or sister). I will definitly let him know he is still my favorite. But I have been wanting a puppy for so long. And all the pictures here certainly didn't help. Now I have to start working on getting my house ready for a puppy. Any suggestions?

[Idaho Cairns]

Yes--try to find something to do to keep the anticipation and excitement of getting a Cairn puppy to a minimum. Your house will be fine with the puppy--keeping your emotions in cheque is a whole 'nother thing.

I envy you, nothing is more fun than a Cairn pup--especially if there is an older dog that is going to benefit by having a new interest to play with.

Older dogs are such a positive thing for a new puppy--pups learn so much about what the "rules" are from well mannered veteran dogs--after the first week, it makes your job of training the pup so much easier.

[Tuesday]

Congrats!!!!!!!

Now I have to start working on getting my house ready for a puppy. Any suggestions?

Hip waders - I'm getting some next time we have a puppy.

[Lynn in TN]

Put everything up including furniture! Anything below 6 feet will be fair game for your pup! HEHEHE Just kidding it's not that bad. Just put anything that would hurt the pup up or anything that you would not like to see destroyed up. I can't wait to see the new pup so don't forget a camera that is a must for a cute little Cairn.

I am ready for another and as soon as the opportunity presents itself I will have another myself. Good luck

[tomatosandwich]

How exciting! To get ready, get good camera and post often!

[Dempsy's Mom]

How fun! Can't wait to watch another puppy grow before my eyes. Pictures and videos!

[pindrop]

This is such an exciting time for you (or will be once April rolls around.) The unfortunate part is that April seems still a long way off but it will come sooner than you think. Insofar as having a new puppy on board - roll up any carpets and put them away for at least six to seven months if not longer. Get yourself a baby gate to close off areas you don't want the puppy to get into. A crate that can be partitioned off so puppy won't soil sleeping quarters. You may want to get an X-pen (although after the first few months ours is overhead in the garage.)

Have you decided on what sex you would like - and names too? April is such a great time to get a new furbaby - as hopefully the ground is snow-free and puppies just love grass.

[Lei-Quinn]

Will post pictures when I can.

We are leaning toward a male, but will be happy with either. I have had four furbabies before this one, but I was wondering if there was anything new in the last 10 years.

[bradl]

Not that I ever let a puppy out of my sight (ahem), but I, uh, have found that putting cord protectors ("split cable looms") around electrical cords and bundles of electrical cords eases my mind considerably. In addition to slowing down how long it takes for a pup to get through to the sparky part of a cord, it also makes a racket when they begin to chew on it, so I can stop them before they do any damage to the cord or themselves.

I find these cable covers at Harbor Freight, various electronic stores, storage stores (The Container Store, etc), online ... everywhere these days. They also neaten up a room if you have a lot of speaker cables and whatnot running all over the place.