Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Our 1800 mile quest for a puppy!

Back in April, we lost Mac, our best friend and companion of 15 years.  Both Mr. PQ and I vowed that it would be a long time before we would entertain the thought of getting another dog.  However, even with our beloved Frankie, I never would have believed that a house could feel so empty without a dog…but it is.

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We recently decided that we couldn’t wait any longer and it was time to fill that void.

I had been in touch with Westie breeders in Nova Scotia without too much luck.  Either their dogs hadn’t been bred recently or their puppies had already been promised to good homes.  They offered to add my name to their lists for when the next littler of puppies came about but we I couldn’t wait that long.

So last week I started checking out other sources for Westie pups and much to my amazement, there were several offered on Kijiji and most were a long distance away. On Tuesday, I found “our” puppy.

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We made contact with the owners and were told that there were only two male pure-bred puppies remaining from the litter, that the mother was on the premises, that they were vet-checked, had their first shots, were dewormed and that all the medical records were available.

Perfect!

Were we ever excited!  The puppies were located in Grenville, Quebec, about 900 miles from where we live in Nova Scotia and about 20 miles from where we used to live before moving here. 

We made arrangements to pick up the puppy on Saturday at noon.

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I started to make some quick phone calls to see if there was room at The Calico Inn for Frankie…yes!

I called our friend Percy to see if he would feed and water the girls while we were away and take in our mail…yes!

I called the ferry service to see if there was a spot available on the Thursday afternoon ferry…yes!

We were good to go!

Yes, it was going to be a very short, whirlwind trip but we decided to turn our adventure into a mini vacation at the same time.

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Last Thursday dawned bright and sunny, a perfect day for traveling.

After we dropped Frankie off at The Calico Inn, we caught the 4 o’clock ferry from Digby, Nova Scotia to St. John, New Brunswick and settled in for what promised to be a smooth three hour crossing. There was no wind to speak of and the Bay of Fundy was as calm as a sheet of glass.

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After leaving port, Mr. Painted Quilt and I just kicked back, relaxed as best we could and tried to enjoy the beauty that surrounded us.

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The Fundy coast of Nova Scotia is rugged and mountainous and the raw, natural beauty is a sight to behold.

The photo below shows the relatively narrow gap that locals refer to as “The Gut”.  This is the entrance into the Annapolis Basin from the Bay of Fundy and the south western shore of Nova Scotia. Digby, from where we set sail, is just around the corner of the peninsula on the right.  If you look at the coastline straight ahead and in the distance, our house is located somewhere in the center.

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We stayed in Bangor, Maine on Thursday night, shopped on Friday until  around noon then continued on our way to Montreal through New Hampshire and Vermont.  No quilt shops this time…just personal and household items…and a new puppy toy or two.

The scenery in New Hampshire is breath taking, the aroma of the pine trees in Maine is intoxicating and the mountains in Vermont are as green as they say.

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After a long day’s drive, we arrived at our friend’s house on the west island of Montreal at around 7 p.m. on Friday evening.

Stay tuned for the rest of the story…

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55 comments:

Abby and Stephanie said...

What a lucky puppy. How exciting for you!

Teresa F. said...

That's not fair, I want to know everything about your new puppy.
I got a puppy last summer and he has just completed one year last June 25th. We love Blackie and can't live without him anymore, so I totally understand your need for another faithful companion.

antique quilter said...

How exciting I am very happy for you. Kathie

Dirt Road Quilter said...

Oh, I'm so excited for you two! It's like waiting for a baby to arrive - there is much cause for celebration and excitement! :) Safe travels!

~Laurie~ said...

Thrilled for you!!! And you stayed in my beloved Maine! So glad you posted the ocean pictures - I've been missing the ocean here in West Texas. THANKS in so many ways!! Can't wait to see the new pup ;)

Shawkl said...

Oh, goodie, goodie, goodie! I just love a great adventure...especially if a puppy is involved!
Sending hugs from me and my "Buddy" to y'all and the new addition!
Hugs!
Kathy

Joy said...

I'm glad you've decided to get a new furry kid!! I know Mac was such a huge part of your family - I could just tell by the way you wrote about him :o).
Happy travels, can't wait to see the new little man :o).
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Marge said...

Love that part of the world.....in fact, two of my kids are maniacs, were born when hubby was stationed in Main in the Air Force. What a lucky puppy to have family traveling all that way to pick him up. Can't wait to see him!

Marge said...

That would be Maine, not Main! Sorry!

KaHolly said...

How exciting!! Can't wait for the rest of the story!

Darlene said...

OMG, I'm so excited for you, Mr PQ and Frankie!!! A new member of the family - woohoo!!!! Of course, you do know that Mac is dancing with excitement, too.

Ali said...

Can't wait to see your new addition. Ali x

Karen said...

I am so happy for you both and your new little fur baby. I agree - there's nothing like a dog in the house. We waited about 6 months as well after we lost our beloved yellow lab Hogan before we brought Cami home. We are also heading into the area that you just shared later this fall. Staying in Bangor Maine as well. Really looking forward to our trip and looking forward to part 2 of this story :). Hugs - karen

Carol said...

What a fun adventure to get a little puppy. Can't wait for the rest of your story and a picture of your new puppy.

Shelley said...

Oh, I love your vacation! It's brings back so many memories. My father was born and bred Montrealer and we had a summer home in Clarenceville on the Quebec/Vermont border. I spent every summer there and we traveled thru Maine, NH, Vermont to get there. I know where Grenville is,,,,been thru it. I hope this story ends well:) Did you wave at me on the way by?? :)

WoolenSails said...

Oh, that kind of trip, how wonderful. I can't wait to see the new pup, hope there isn't a sad twist to the story;)

Debbie

Sheila said...

How exciting for you , I know you must be thrilled and I can't wait to see that adorable face.

Diane said...

how exciting! can't wait to see how this story ends!
And now I want to take a vacation through New England too!! Safe travels!

Kris said...

How fun to get a new puppy and what a great adventure to go get him!! Continue to have fun!! Waiting for next post with baited breathe!!!

linny said...

I have to agree, I couldn't live without a dog.They just become so much a part of the family, they leave a huge hole when they go. A new pup doesn't replace the old one just adds more to the family. Looking forward to hearing(& seeing) the rest of the story & seeing photos of the new addition.

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

I'm so happy for you! Our story of Callie Mae Calico sounds so very much like your story. Our house was empty without a cat/purr son!

I'm ready for the next installment of the story.

Kathleen said...

I can't stand the suspense...can't wait to see a picture of your new little Westie...we have a Westie, Molly, who will be 11 yrs old in August...we just love her and have so much fun with her...I would get another in a heart beat...they are such great "furry children"...

quiltgrammy said...

How very exciting, I'm so happy for you!!

Susannah said...

Shucks!!! But this is a great story. I can not wait to read the rest.......and of course, I want to meet the newest member of your family!

Carrie P. said...

Oh, I am so excited for you. Can't wait to read more.

Lori said...

Sounds like a match!! How exciting and the weather was so beautiful for you mini vacation. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story:)

Ter'e said...

Oh Kaaren and Sam!
I have been watching and watching and knew something was "up".......but didn't know what. I am OVER THE MOON that you are getting a new puppy. I hope and pray that one of the little guys is a perfect match for the 3 of you (that includes Frankie) or that you take both boys home with you. I cannot wait to hear the next part of the story.
Safe travels my friends!!!!
Love, T

Lesley said...

Kaaren, your writing is so expressive...I feel like I was sitting on the deck with you enjoying the coastline of Nova Scotia and traveling the roads to your destination. Will look forward to part 2 of your adventures!

Janet said...

It was obviously the right time and I'm feeling the excitement too. Thanks for sharing a little part of your world with the photos, it looks beautiful.

Janet said...

I just knew it wouldn't take you long. Once you have a dog in the family it is too hard not to have one to love. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story. Your pictures are gorgeous but I am sure not close to the real thing.
Janet

paulette said...

This is just so exciting!!!
P

Kathleen said...

I can't wait to read the next post. Hope it is soon!!!

We lost our miniature poodle of 16 years in April. Letting her go was the hardest thing I ever did.

Needled Mom said...

How exciting for both of you. The house will be filled with fun days ahead. It sounds like it was a wonderful tip in spite of the fact that it covered many miles in such a short time.

I can't wait for the follow up story.

Pat said...

Can't wait for the next installment - we have shelties but those Westies also tug at my heart - such sweet little faces.

Reading how you traveled from Bay of Fundy into New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine was so interesting -

Janet O. said...

What an adventure. DD#1 just moved to New Hampshire--you are the third blogger I've read about who has been or is headed there. Wish I could be in someone's luggage!
Can't wait to meet your new family member.

Annette-California said...

How absolutely incredible. I love all your photos. It feels like we are on the journey with you. So excited for you. Can't wait for your next post. Super pretty cruise:)
love Annette

Sheila said...

Lovely photos and all very exciting.
I think there is going to be a very happy ending...can´t wait for your next installment - - - and a photo!!!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oh, I'm so happy for you. There is just nothing like your own dog. Beautiful scenery in the meantime, but I can't wait to see the new young man!

EllenaElizabeth said...

Exciting stuff. Look forward to seeing the new addition.

Jenny's Place Online said...

Congrats on new puppy. Would love to be a fly on the wall when Frankie and pup meet...lol... :) Happy crafting, Jenny

Elzaan said...

Can't wait to hear the happy ending of this story! Such a great adventure you are having.
Hope Frankie will behave himself and be a good "Big Brother"...

sewprimitive karen said...

Oh I wish I could have been along on that trip, oh the scenery! How ironic that your puppy is 20 miles from where you used to live. Looking forward to Part Two!

Siobhán said...

Kaaren, I am so sorry about Mac! I know how much you loved him and how hard it must be for you. Big hugs. I can not WAIT to see pics of your new baby and pics of the rest of your travels! Now I'm off to look up the places on the map, geographical nerd that I am... ;)

Trace4J said...

Oh so exciting.
I can't wait to see your new furry bundle of love.
SO happy for you.
Hugs Trace


www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

ria vogelzang said...

I'm very anxious to hear the rest of the story!
Last year we had a simular experience.... and also couldn't get use to no dog around your feet; to walk or to cuddle.... or (in my case..) to talk to....
So we started to search for an Airedale Terrier and succeeded a couple of weeks later.
Now Amar is 11 months and we cannot imagine not having her around..... She's a sunshine!
Hope everything works out fine and you can enjoy your little Westie!
Greets from the Netherlands!

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Hi Kaaren.
I can so relate to the emptiness in the house after the loss of a dog. I lost my beloved Jack Russell "Shorty" in January at the age of almost 18, and our house was so empty. A month later, I started looking on Kijijji and saw and add for a 3 year old Jack Russell who needed a new home. I had to leave for Oklahoma for a week and told myself that if the add is still there when I got home I would answer it. To my amazement, the add was still there and I answered it. Today I am the proud owner of a 3 year old Jack Russell named "Kit". My house is no longer empty. I was the only person who answered the add....some things are just meant to be :)
I am so glad you are getting a new puppy. You have lots of love to give.

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Can't wait to hear more...I am on the edge of my computer chair!!!!

I will check in later today :)

Carolyn

barcord said...

This is some adventure for you and Mr PQ. Cant wait to see this new little chap. Travel safely. x x

Michelle in NH said...

I'm holding my breath for your next post! A trip AND a puppy...best wishes ALL.

Polly said...

OHHH, Kaaren! A new baby!! I am waiting impatiently to see him!! And Yogi is anxious, too!! Have a safe trip!! And come back and post with LOTS of photos!!

Denise in PA said...

Oh, I can't wait to see him! I cried when I heard about your precious Mac. This new puppy is certainly very lucky to be going to such a wonderful home! And I know he will bring you much joy. o:)

The Inspired Stitcher said...

That little pup is going to be the luckiest little critter ever! I can't wait to "meet" your new bundle of joy!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

What a lucky puppy! Can't wait to "meet" him :-) ..hope your visit in Montreal went well too..the west island is my old stomping ground :-)

Merilyn said...

I'm so excited for your Kaaren, a new puppy in the house is always such a wonderful thing, I'm glad you decided to get another little dog, they are pretty special and great company, makes a house a home, look forward to seeing your new family member!!!!

The Inspired Stitcher said...
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