The Last Moments of Silence: My Plan For Surviving the First Week. Which I Don't Have.
Five Days and Counting Down to Chaos
It’s official: I am less than a week away from welcoming the new little guy into the house. If you read my first post, you know my initial attempt at dog ownership was a disaster where I walked in the door with a dog and zero supplies.
This time, things are slightly different. I’ve made a list. I’ve bought some things from that list. But honestly? I’m still not close to finished, and I’m oddly okay with that.
I’ve looked at all the glossy, perfect "Before Puppy" articles... I realized something crucial: I could have waited longer, but I would never feel completely ready. It was time to jump into Round Two.
I’m giving myself permission to make new mistakes, because that first puppy taught me that planning helps, but patience is the only real tool you need..
The Reality of the Gear (Plastic and Plywood)
I’ve been eyeing those highly-rated, professional metal bowls that everyone raves about in online reviews. They look great, but I still have the plastic ones sitting in the cupboard. For now, they’ll do.
The biggest dilemma is the bed. I have no idea how big this dog is going to get! So, his first sleeping setup is totally DIY. It’s a temporary, sensible, cozy solution until he stops growing. But I splurged on a memory foam pillow for him. Comfort over
construction, right? It’s tricky trying to be a "product curator" when you haven't even met the client yet! The Mental Space is the Real Prep
Five Days of Final, Panic-Free Chaos
What is actually left on my list? Mostly small, frantic things that I'll probably buy on an impulse run the day before he arrives:
Finding the "Perfect" Spot: I need to commit to the crate's final location. Before I inevitably move it three times.
The Smell Test: Gathering old blankets or shirts to create that "familiar scent" zone.
The Name is Set: Sticking with Zag is the easiest decision I've made all week.
In five days, the real work begins. Until then, I’ll be trying to relax, enjoying the quiet, and trusting that the lessons I picked up ten years ago are enough to get us through the first night. Wish us luck!