We’re in the middle of yet another move…
To many of you, this will sound INSANE because I hadn’t mentioned it on the blog before.
But please don’t gasp!
We are not leaving my “happy place.” In fact – happy place just got happier!!!
DOWNTOWN –
Charleston has many wonderful places to live. My all time favorite location is in the heart of downtown where there’s constant activity all year long, great restaurants, fantastic festivals almost every weekend, beautiful parks and only a 9 mile drive to an incredible dog friend beach.
This one last move after the the initial transition to SC 18 months ago was always part of our master plan. You see, Doodle Dad, the Boys and I are blessed beyond measure – we are moving into the Bennett family home. His parents home. We are honored to keep this edifice with such character, personality, charisma and decades of memories in the family.
Renovations are under way to merge traditional Charleston charm with a contemporary style…
With all the movement, boxes and bubble wrap – Harley is once again getting anxious. I’m a little surprised because this is his second move, and we’ve had “the talk” – yet he’s still following me around more than usual and his eyes give me this uncomfortable stare when I exit a room.
WHAT TO DO –
Moving can make dogs confused. Your canine companion will have a much harder time understanding the true meaning of all the changes that are happening around them with lightning quick speed. This is why you need to act immediately before the relocation stress and anxiety take over your pet. Here’s what to do when moving with a dog: chasing away their fears, keeping their routine fairly unchanged, and keeping them safe and secure are your top 3 priorities as a loving dog owner. Source: mymovingreviews.com
While our “new home” is not a strange one for the Boys, we’re taking them with us as often as we can so the house becomes familiar to them…
Once the month of March arrived and the chaos was visible – I remembered to –
- Chase away his fears – I purposely include Harley in my movements around the house. I call him when I’m changing rooms, even if he’s napping. We’re like velcro. No bathroom privacy for me!
- Keep his routine unchanged- This week we’re running back and forth to the storage unit, and downtown to the other house. We take the boys with us, even if that means we’ve got to leave a few items behind so they will fit in the car.
- Keep him safe – This is an easier move than before. Everyone loading the truck is a family member – no strangers. No need to crate them, but I will make sure they are with me as we load and unload the truck.
- Good exercise and mental stimulation – As tired as I am at the end of the day, I make sure we take extra long walks in the evening after dinner. It must be working, for the past several nights we’ve ALL been asleep before 10:00pm 🙂
MEDICAL ADVICE –
Ironically Harley has his annual physical exam later today, and of course I will make sure I am on the right track. I do not believe he needs medication, thunder shirts or Adaptil collars but I may learn about additional “natural” ways to assist in keeping him calm.
ALL DOGS REACT DIFFERENTLY –
This is Jaxson’s first move. Living in chaos and clutter has absodoodletutely no effect on him at all. As the two legged children travel back and forth to help, Jaxson’s like – #letthegoodtimesroll…
I believe my free spirit – hippie Doodle truly has not a care or worry in the world. As long as he can see, hear or smell a family human – he’s good…
Don’t count the days – make the days count ❤️
March 20, 2017
Whew, glad everything/everyone is good! It’s good to know why you haven’t posted in awhile, I worry!
Good luck with the move.
Smiles,
Cheryl
April 5, 2017
So sorry, didn’t mean to worry you. This move was one for the books, I don’t ever want to move again! We’re good, getting settled in and getting ready for some serious renovations Pray for me please! LOL
March 20, 2017
Oh I can tell that the home is just BEAUTIFUL!!! Soooooooo happy for you! What a beautiful part of the country to call home!!!
April 5, 2017
Caren, the house has such character. Can’t wait for the renovations to start. The Boys are familiar with the home because they’ve been here several times. The surroundings are perfect for dogs and we’re loving that city life.
March 20, 2017
This is so wonderful!! Congratulations. And relax Harley — everything is going to be ok!!!
April 5, 2017
Deirdre – Harley is chilling believe me. As long as he knows I’m not far – he’s alright. Now they’ve got to get ready for living through some serious renovations.
March 20, 2017
Good luck with the move!
April 5, 2017
Thanks my friend – are you coming with your Mom to BP?
March 21, 2017
Good luck with your move. It’s so exhausting yet exciting
Lily & Edward
April 5, 2017
You nailed it on the doodle head my friends!
March 21, 2017
Good luck with your move! How lovely that you’re able to keep the Bennett home in the family. That’s incredibly special and your family is very blessed.
Good luck and keep us posted. Give hugs and rubs to my Doodle boys….
xoxo
April 5, 2017
That was the super important to my husband. And my human children are also excited about this decision as well. Too often parents pass away and the family home is sold. There’s much work to be done, but I’m learning patience and I can’t wait to get started. XOXO
March 21, 2017
How exciting and special to be moving into the family home! It looks beautiful….I hope you’ll share more photos of it with us.
I seem to remember you hinting one time that your last move wasn’t going to be permanent. Seeing how much you love your new city and enjoy the downtown, it seems like the perfect place for you.
I hope Harley adjusts quickly and does OK. I expected my crew to take our move harder. They had only lived in one home, and all tended towards being nervous nellies; I was quite surprised when they adjusted as well as they did. The first weekend was very stressful with so much activity, but after that they settled right in. I think they all knew we were meant to be here; and I hope the same for Harley this time (sounds like Jaxson is just fine!).
April 5, 2017
You win the prize Jan! I did hint a while ago that there was one more move in the horizon. Now I can honestly say – this is the last! We’re blessed beyond measure to move into and renovate the family home. The thought of selling to strangers just didn’t set right with me/us. So excited. Both Boys are adjusting well. They are true troopers!
April 6, 2017
Of course I shall share photos with you!
We’re also very excited (not necessarily looking forward to the renovations) but trying to keep my mind on the finished product.
March 23, 2017
Thrilling for you to keep everything in the family! We love the idea of being in the ❤️ of things. The vibrancy of being downtown can be so soul nourishing. Best of luck with the final move.
April 6, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised when making this decisions that my human children were excited about it as well. They have both promised to keep it long after we’re gone! I love the whole legacy concept.
March 23, 2017
So excited to see you’re making the big move! Congratulations!
Honey doesn’t suffer from too much anxiety. But she’s also not as happy-go-lucky as Jaxson.
Sometimes I’ll break out the clicker and start training a new trick when she seems a little stressed. For her, getting treats for learning something new wipes all her anxiety away. Even in a terrible thunderstorm.
Harley is lucky you’re keeping such a close eye on his nervousness. I’m sure moving day will go great!
April 6, 2017
Hello Pam… The move was uneventful. Both Boys hovered a lot of course but for the most part, neither one of them seemed to concerned. Jaxson is truly loving city life. He’s all about the hustle and bustle of the city. Harley, well you’ve met Harley – he’s not ever going to get too excited over much of anything LOL
When are you coming back this way?
March 26, 2017
Wishing you all the best with your move! I am so glad that your boys are getting used to the new place. You sure have done your research! What a gorgeous place to live!!
April 6, 2017
Thanks so much Jeanne, we’re all settling in nicely.
March 29, 2017
How cool is that the family home!
April 6, 2017
It’s turning out to be way cooler than I could have ever imagined.
March 31, 2017
Oh, that’s really exciting! I’m sure you’ll make many happy memories there!
April 6, 2017
Paws crossed – that’s our plan!