Aug 22nd 09 -- Caitey came home.

With lots of help, I packed a minivan load of supplies for Caitey from crate, feeding bowls, toys, treats, to collar and leash...you name it.

I was very excited, and dead nervous at the same time. I had the exact same uneasiness before Claire came back home from the hospital. I never had a puppy before, and other than the few pages I read and the invaluable suggestions from those benevolent friends of mine who were dog owners... the only thing that I was sure about was perhaps that dogs come with no more than 4 legs.

It did not matter though, when we got into the store and I carried her again in my arms. She might have recognized us when she saw us again, at least she came forward to me and put her front legs up to greet me -- that was very sweet and reassuring for me.

Again, the staff at Puppy Barn came to our rescue. Big Ralph, the manager of the store, had a motto of "a puppy is not a used car". A very nice lady gave us a 10-minute lesson about the most important things that we should do at home for a new puppy, and patiently answered all our nervous questions. We were also told that we could call them anytime when we have questions.

With another pack of supplies and Caitey on my lap, we went home. My husband made sure that his drive wasn't too fast and bumpy to scare Caitey.