Our problem

So this is the problem. We're driving home for Christmas this year, as we always have done, what with all the junk (read: lovely presents!) we end up hauling there and back, and to have a vehicle while we're there, and really, because holiday traffic in the airport is a killer. That's not the problem, the problem is that this year we'll be hauling a new baby and all manner of baby gear along with the presents, suitcases, etc. etc. etc. Though that's not the problem either.

The problem is the mutt. There is no way on this earth that we can possibly haul the baby, the loads of gear, our suitcases, the presents, AND the mutt. We'll be jam-packed, and I know I'll be crawling into the back of the car more times than I'll be able to count. The last thing I want to be maneuvering around is a smelly dog. Even if that dog is my own. Which, I suppose he is, though everyone knows he truly belongs to Caleb.

Hence the "you totally need a van" talk from my dad and Caleb, bytheway. I stand firm (thanks for all the support! I've totally been gloating to Caleb about my "victory") in my I will never own a van stance. I am open to other options later.When we have more than one kid. Right now I'm enjoying the totally paid off cars, not-in-debt state we're in, and going back into debt for a van that is only really needed for a once a year car trip home? Not my idea of a good choice.

So I've been on a quest to find a boarding facility around here that will take the dog for the two weeks we'll be home. The place we usually use is not only expensive, but completely booked already, with a 50+ deep wait list. After WEEKS of searching, I found one that might just work out, one that will let him "socialize" with other dogs the entire day and that is cheaper than our original facility.

I took him up there this morning (a good 30 minutes "up" there...) for an evaluation to see if he'd play nice with the other dogs. Upon seeing the place I knew Caleb wouldn't like it, it's run by a guy and his wife in your typical by-the-train-tracks sort of joint (which, funny thing, it actually is by the train tracks...). It had several good reviews online however, and so I rung the bell.

It took Bear about 45 seconds upon entering to pull himself into a nice squat and poo all over the gravel.

I tried not to notice.

When I came to pick him up three hours later I caught a glimpse of him inside the gate. He was barking and jumping on the gate that led from the ground up to the poor man's house. I started to worry that he'd be rejected, too anxious, too vocal, too needy, too annoying. I walked up chanting ohpleaseohpleaseohpleaseohpleasedon'tmakemedrivehomewiththemutt, and rung the bell. Again.

The mutt passed, thankfully. The man said he'd been fine, had done well with the other dogs (as evidenced by the dried drool all over Bear's head) and that it was a 'good thing' we'd chosen the socialized service, as he didn't think Bear would do well in a kennel (read: manic barking). I agreed, thanked him, and tried to get out of there as quick as possible, though not before making a complete fool of myself as I fumbled with his leash for a good three minutes, long enough that the guy actually came over to help me. Hi, yes, I do know how the clip works, thanks, please ignore my fat pregnant self hunched over my dog.

In his defense, I am a little hard to ignore these days.

Comments

[kris]

You could just rent a car that is big enought for Baby, Dog, and Parents.

[Liv]

I'd better get Maddie booked for her kennel stay NOW. I don't want to send her to the wrong side of the tracks over New Year's. I'd never be able to forgive myself, since she is, quite obviously, a spoiled princess.

Glad you guys found a place for Bear!! haha

[Kimba]

Thought of that Kris! Sadly, a car rental for the entire time would be well over $1k, and a one way car rental (or, two one ways..) would be as much as boarding the dog. I can't win...

[Lindsay Chang]

Whatever works, right? Oh, by the by, my mom informed me a couple days ago that she found a box filled with some bottles of the lovely homemade Cider you brought to the Christmas party last year! I hope you don't mind, Jack opened it(I told him not to, because it had fermented for a year) and tried it. He said that it was still good, so if you want us to, we can hold onto it for a bit longer. Let me know.

[Abby]

Just board the D-O double G. Or the B to the A to the B to the Y, but only as a last resort.
;)
OOOOOR. You could just stay pregnant until after you come back from Utah for Christmas. Then everyone will be taken care of.
OOOOOOOR. Being electrocuted.

[Corey Grint]

I have to admit, Teal'c and I are super sad :-( :-(. We so want to play with Bear. I do wish there was a third alternative. Let me know if there's anything we can do because we would soooooo LOVE to take care of him FREE for the two weeks you are here. :-)
PS I'm loving your cute belly. I'm so excited to see pictures of your sweet new boy.

[barbara]

oh girlie....keep fighing the van thing, but once the third surprise came along, i caved! LOL. we got our van a week ago, and my thrid baby is almost 4 months. a malibu was just not cutting it anymore.
goodluck getting teh mutt home for teh holidays! i once saw someone obviously moving or travelling with an SUV. their mutt was stuck in the back window ontop of everything in his 'cage'. it was SO funny! i'm sure you can squize him in SOMEWHERE!
i enjoy your blog BTW!