Scotties on the Move

To sum up the big move in a nutshell: it was hard work and it was, more than anything, a learning experience. I've moved with Scotties before but never into a townhouse with so much space (and consequently, with much more possibilities for mischief and mayhem!). Mr. K has moved three times with me now and Heather, this was her second move. However, none of our previous moves compare to this one. Here are 10 (new) things I learned about Scotties on the move:

- It's not home until it's home. And it won't be home until you spend time with the Scotties there. Heather and Mr. K kept waiting to go back to the condo and marched over to the car as if they were set to leave every time we went out for a walk after work.

- Finding the perfect pee and poo spots can take time...like a week or more. Add another week or two to the adjustment period to accomodate for the change in schedule!

- The echoes of an unfurnished house turn the place into a fun house. Scottie Mom calls the pups upstairs, they go downstairs. Scottie Mom calls them downstairs, the pups go upstairs. Then, they wonder where she went not realizing they went the wrong way.

- New carpet = a great substitute for grass, even when a Scottie doesn't have to pee but feels like leaving his or her mark anyway.

- If you want to go about making new friends, send Heather to win over the crowds with her smile and leave the grumbling Mr. K at home.

- Expect the unexpected and leave no trash can exposed, no newspaper or toilet paper in sight and find safe places to store the food bag immediately or else. Scotties don't wait for their hoomans to catch their breath when moving - they go in for the gold while they can!

- Three flights of stairs are awfully fun for Scotties to zoomie up and down...except when they have no carpet. Hence, the necessity of Scottie gates.

- Consistency is key. Go out the same doors every time. Walk the same route again and again. Feed in the same spot and encourage them to settle in one place every night.

- More space to explore and "get lost" = more "there-you-are!" and "oh-my-gosh-i'm-so-glad-you're-home-again!" Scotties faces to greet you...no matter how soon  you just saw them. And that Scottie expression NEVER gets old.

- When in doubt, give treats. I went a bit overboard in trying to make Heather and Mr. K feel as comfortable as possible and probably threw Mr. K off his diet temporarily. Alas, if it leads to a happy Scottie. It was worth it in the end!