From the Barn 🤎 | The Countdown Is On!

Well, look at us! Most of our Wild families have officially scheduled their puppy pickup appointments. We’re getting close, my friends! 🐾

If you’re sitting there wondering what day or time you scheduled (or you’ve completely forgotten 😂), you should have a confirmation in your email. You can also find your appointment right inside your Labrador Lounge.

Haven’t scheduled yet? Head over to your Labrador Lounge and look for your puppy’s card. That’s the little box with your puppy’s picture and your reservation position. You should see a button there to schedule your pickup.

And if technology isn’t cooperating, just reach out. I’m always happy to help!

While I’m Packing, You’re Preparing! 🏡

As I start assembling everyone’s go-home bags, you’re probably doing a little assembling of your own. Getting your house, your family, and your everyday routine ready for one very adorable new roommate.

This is the fun part!

I’d love to tell you not to buy something for your puppy every time you walk into a store, but I’d be a complete hypocrite. 😂

I have dogs I absolutely adore coming and going around here all the time. It’s practically like having relatives visiting. And somehow, I always find myself sending them home with a new toy, bone, leash, or something. Apparently, I can’t help myself either.

But here’s something I really want you to remember.

Your puppy doesn’t need nearly as much as you think.

They’re little. They’re curious. They’re going to chew things, drag things around, outgrow things, and occasionally decide the cardboard box is more exciting than the $30 toy inside it.

Keep it simple!

A Few Things I Actually Recommend

• A simple wire crate. Nothing fancy. And remember, we’re keeping the crate free of loose toys, treats, and other things puppy could chew unsupervised.
• Food and water bowls. Simple, sturdy, easy to clean.
• A toy basket. I love a simple wire basket for tossing all their toys into. Will they eventually empty the entire thing? Absolutely.
• Basic nail clippers, ear-cleaning supplies, and puppy shampoo. You don’t need a whole grooming salon. Cotton balls or pads are great for wiping those ears, but nothing down inside the ear canal.
• A good doormat! Seriously. These puppies are going to discover outside, and outside is going to come right back inside with them. Those little wet paws are something else.
• A treat pouch. Handy for training, but you can just as easily use a little dish of their regular kibble. You don’t need to introduce a bunch of different treats right away.
• A few sensory toys or simple puzzles. I love anything that gets their little brains working. Just choose age-appropriate toys and supervise playtime.

And a couple of things I’d skip?

Puppy pee pads. We’re teaching outside from day one. Let’s not introduce an indoor bathroom and then have to teach them something different.

Harnesses for everyday walking. I’m a simple collar-and-leash girl. A harness doesn’t magically teach a dog not to pull, my friends. 😂 My exception is a properly fitted vehicle safety harness designed for a car restraint system. That’s an entirely different purpose.

You don’t need every gadget, every toy, or every puppy product on the market.

What matters most is your time, consistency, patience, and a little sense of humor. Because I promise you, you’re going to need that last one!

Meanwhile, Back at Wild… 🐾

Because apparently there’s never a dull moment around here!

Ruffles is officially in heat and heading our way tomorrow! Yahoo is already here enjoying his little Wild vacation, so the timing couldn’t have worked out much better.

We’re hoping for a Ruffles × Yahoo pairing, which could bring us some beautiful chocolate and silver babies if everything goes according to plan. 🤎

But first, let’s get these little pumpkins ready for their big Halloween homecoming!

I can’t believe we’re already this close. Before you know it, I’ll be handing you your puppy, your go-home bag, and sending you off to start the next chapter.

And that, my friends, is my favorite part.

See you soon!

🤎 Monica
Wild Labradors