Bringing Kippy Home

Emily couldnt wait for classes to end. The whole family was going to pick Kippy up from the shelter and bring her home. Dad was even leaving work early! Mom had read them the story of Pippi Longstocking, and Kippy rhymed with Pippi, so they had decided to keep her name.

When they arrived at the shelter, Jonathon and Emily jumped out of the car and ran to the door.

Hold it, kids! Dad said. Wait right there and dont budge one, single, solitary, inch.

Jonathon and Emily stood as still as statues while they waited for their parents to get the leash out, and set up the crate in the back of the mini-van. Then they all walked in together, and Jonathon announced Weve come to take Kippy home!

Sarah smiled when she saw them, and sent Debbie back to bring Kippy up front.

Whats that funny looking thing on her head? asked Jonathon.

That is called an Elizabethan collar, or E-collar for short, Sarah said. She went on to explain that Kippy had her surgery several days ago, and that the special collar was to keep her from bothering her stitches or pulling them out. They could bring her back next week, or they could have their vet take the stitches out when she went in for her first appointment.

Until those stitches are out, she needs to stay quiet and only go for leash walks. No playing ball yet, Jonathon, and Emily, dont cover up the stitches by putting any clothes on her, Sarah said. The E-collar can only be off when someone is around to make sure that she isnt bothering her stitches.

Sarah watched as Mr. Keyes walked Kippy out to the car and put her in her crate. The kids were excited, but she thought theyd be good with Kippy- and that Kippy would be good with them! Jonathon had shown her the chart they had made, with all the jobs listed across the top, and the family members down the side, with purple stars for Emily, and gold stars for Jonathon, and which parent was helping with each job.

When they got home, Dad kept Kippy on her leash and took her into the backyard. After sniffing around a little, she peed, and Dad said Good girl! and gave her a treat.

They all went inside, and let Kippy explore the kitchen and family room. Mom had put baby gates up to keep Kippy in these two rooms until they were sure she was housebroken and wouldnt destroy things. Jonathon helped Dad set up the crate in the family room next to the sofa, and Emily filled the water bowl. Mom worked on getting the human dinner ready, and when they were ready to eat, Dad put Kippy in the crate and Emily put her bowl of food in with her. Of course, Kippy finished her dinner before the family finished theirs! She whined in her crate, and Emily started to talk to her, until Jonathon reminded her that Sarah said they were supposed to ignore her when she whines. The whining continued for a few more minutes, and got louder and LOUDER, until it was hard to hear what anyone else had to say, and they all shouted and then went quiet, and Emily tried not to giggle. Finally, Kippy gave a big sigh, curled up in a ball, and went to sleep.

When dinner was over and the table cleared, Dad and Jonathon took Kippy back outside to go the bathroom, and then the whole family went for a walk around the block before going to bed. Mom put Kippy in the crate in the family room with a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, and when Jonathon snuck out of his room to check on her, he saw her stretched out asleep with the Kong between her paws!



Before You Bring a Dog Home

Decide ahead of time where the dog will sleep, and set up a crate. Consider getting something to keep her occupied while in the crate, such as a Kong Buster Cube, or marrow bone. Consider putting a blanket or towel over the crate when you go to bed. Many dogs and puppies will fuss, cry, and even howl when left in a crate; if you take them out of the crate when they do that, they learn to fuss, cry, and howl to get out! Something cozy with your scent on it (a t-shirt will do), something to do, and a ticking clock nearby can help.

Decide where and when the dog will eat, and what it will eat. Get some of whatever it was eating before so you can change the diet gradually.

Decide who will do what jobs. Be fair!

Read at least two books about dogs- this book counts as one!

Contact a good vet and make an appointment to come in as soon as possible.

When you do bring the dog or pup home, give him or her a few days to adjust before introducing a lot of other people and pets.