At the risk of sounding overly dramatic it’s about all I can say about how Tony finally left the nest.
The role of “Breeder” includes the intention of placing puppies in their homes around 9-10 weeks of age. While it’s tough to see them go, we know it’s the right time and necessary. What I didn’t expect was to have them and love them and train them until they’re 24 weeks old and THEN place them. By now my heart strings are firmly attached and their idiosyncrasies and quirky habits are known to me as much as any other piece of my soul.
Lucky and I escorted Tony to Montana this weekend and placed him into the capable and loving hands of Alex (and her husband Chas at a distance). Alex and her sister Casey drove through the night from Minnesota so we could spend all of Saturday and Sunday morning giving Tony the time and space to get used to the idea of this new adventure. I see this shared time as being SUPER important to an easier transition. If Lucky and I accept Alex and her sister and say they’re ok, Tony is more apt to be relaxed and open to receive them with less stress. So keeping things light, sociable and fun is key.
We had a walk in the field, a rest by a busy playground, lunch (and a Lick-Mat) on a patio and lounge time at the hotel on Saturday. Sunday morning included a morning walk down by the Mississippi River where Alex got to see both Lucky & Tony’s reactions first hand to new and different things.
Tony expressed curiosity at the man who didn’t move—a life size bronze statue of Coach Carter. Several flocks of Canada geese landed in the river in front of us as we all stood in awe — afterwards Tony looked to me for reassurance of the spectacle but that was about all he had for a reaction. They had a chance to wade in the water at the edge of the river as well. We passed dogs on leash, people on bikes, birds and bunnies… all the while both father and son stayed relaxed and in the moment.
We took a few minutes to explore a small floating dock and boat launch. No issues from either dog concerning the instability of the footing as we chatted about Alex training her other dog Indy to start Dock Diving and the possibility of Tony joining him. My back was to Alex and Tony as I suddenly heard a splash! Much to our surprise Tony jumped in and became entirely submerged overhead, almost going under the dock! Alex dropped to her knees and quickly lifted him out by his harness, sopping wet! He shook it off with a big smile on his face, “That was fun! Let’s do it again!” Needless to say, Alex was a little rattled and learned quickly what it is to be a full-blooded-ACD owner… as well as the benefits of investing in good quality, reliable equipment! My harness & handle did its job well!
And so after a jam-packed 24-hours of integration, Tony was sent off on the next big adventure of his lifetime to Minnesota with Alex & Casey. They drove straight through with a few pit-stops for exercise where he saw some hoodoos in North Dakota and met a bison at a distance as well.
He briefly met his new “dad” Chas this morning before work and is spending his first day with Indy (7-yr ACD cross) and Moe (13-yr papillon cross). The feedback has been that they’re a little unsure of this new little brother but Tony’s good, respectful manners and willingness to go-with-the-flow is working in his favour. He seems to be feeling right at home and has already found his first sock — one of Iron Man’s many superpowers!
Soon Tony will be training in Barn Hunt & Agility… and it would seem tracking socks and dock diving might get some consideration too! Once again one of the Reel Red Superheroes has found their dream home to thrive in. ??The only way this would have perhaps turned out better would have been for it to happen many weeks ago. But would that have been better? I would have missed out on letting this red cuddly boy into my heart… and I am most certainly better for having done so. It is just a very different pack today without him. ? I’m grateful for the connection with Alex & Chas and look forward to continuing to watch him mature online. I could not have asked for a more perfect home to land in.