New Puppy To Buy List

When I found Freya I knew she was the doggy for me.  She was timid and beautiful, and her docked tail was strange to both of us.  I went to visit her at the shelter and was back 2 hours later with the BF to get the final stamp of approval.  He now says he liked her from the get go because I did so much, although she was a bit "muddy looking".

First thing we needed, was a kennel to put her in the car for the drive home.  We didn't think that far ahead, but she was so freaked out she just hunkered down in the passenger's seat and we were ok.  Second thing, a kennel at home so I could go buy all the other stuff she needed:

• Puppy Food
• Dog bowls (one for water, one for food, get plastic to start)
• Leash
• Collar
• Soft & Hard Chew toys
• Hair brush
• Shampoo
• Carpet Cleaner

If one were really on top of it, ideally they would have all of these items before they brought the dog home.  The next step was to make a Vet appointment.  Puppies need several booster shots to guard them against a variety of diseases.  Freya went through the necessary rounds of:

• 7-way (guards agains parvo, lepto, and many other viruses)
• Kennel Cough
• Lyme's Disease (we knew we would be traveling in the Northern USA a lot and requested this especially)
• Rabies Shot (given at 13 weeks)

The great thing is, a lot of Animal Hospitals are filled with very kind employees who will answer your questions.  I asked a ton, and was so excited with my new puppy that I probably forgot the answers to half.

Don't forget that while your puppy will make mistakes and messes, they still love you!  So correct them and then love on them, especially when they do something right or respond immediately to a stern "NO".