Searching for a puppy for sale should be hopeful and exciting throughout the whole process, from your first Google Search to the first puppy kiss on your cheek. However, since the start of the COVID pandemic, breeders have had to find new ways to connect with people that want to start a new puppy adventure. Services like Pawrade help bridge that gap.
These days, the new-age way of buying a puppy online has created many concerns. States are outlawing puppy stores in an effort to put an end to puppy mills, so the supply of reputable breeders has gone down while the demand for healthy puppies has skyrocketed. Irresponsible breeders are able to hide behind lies and impersonal communication. It has become hard to discern who is honest and who is in it for the money. But the greatest problem is how to fight puppy scams that continue to take advantage of emotions and wallets.
In early September, I spoke with a lady named Maureen who was facing these same troubles. All she wanted (and I would say needed!) was a Golden Retriever puppy for sale to love and spoil. Her heart was set on Mister Lance who was only 5 weeks old at the time. Lance was living in Ohio with one of our fantastic breeders, and Maureen was in California. Without skipping a beat, her next question was, “How can I make him mine?!”
I found out where Maureen lived during the “coordinate and plan” phase of our Pawrade Process of buying a puppy, the time after the purchase but before you meet your puppy where we discuss updates and travel arrangements. Coincidence or not, I used to live in the same city! One landmark and one street name at a time, we realized that I had lived in the same community as she and her husband. We had been neighbors for 2 years without even knowing it! It was a wild “small world” moment that I will never forget.
The more Maureen and I chatted, we began joking about the possibility of me delivering Lance to her and her husband. After all, I had moved back to Michigan to be closer to family, and I was a 3-hour drive from the breeder. I agreed to find any way possible to make this happen!
Maureen paid for Lance to reserve him, and I started searching for flights. During the next two weeks, I sent Maureen updated pictures and videos of Lance (newly named Seamus) to keep her in happy anticipation for his homecoming day. After lots of research and correspondence, I was able to book the perfect flight. I was starting to feel just as thrilled as Maureen, and I was going to meet one of my favorite breeders in our pawsome network! Everything was meant to be.
Homecoming Day for Seamus the Golden Retriever
My dad is a great cook and a better coach. He has always said, “It’s about the prep!” Naturally, Maureen and I put together a goody bag to entertain Seamus with during the trip. Travel Carrier? Check. Leash and collar? Check. Toys and treats? Check. Potty pads and puppy wipes? Check. So this is why moms are always so prepared for anything, I realized.
My dad is also a great road-tripper. He and I hit the highway early Wednesday morning and took backroads for the last hour to meet the breeder. If you ever get to drive through Midwest America on an early autumn day, the onsetting color change and gently woven paths will bless your soul.
Finally! It was time to meet the dapper little dude. His eyes were timid but his curiosity was bold. After a few minutes of warming up with some handshakes and puppy kisses, Seamus was ready to journey home. His breeder informed me about all of his paperwork and generously added things to Seamus’s goody bag. On the drive to the airport, I told Seamus about my days in California: Life under the palm trees, jumping into the cold Pacific water on a hot summer day, and enjoying all of the pet-friendly parks and places. We shared a bro-ment!
At the airport, Seamus made me feel like a celebrity, or at least a security guard of one. We shared a celebratory drink (he ordered a water on the rocks...I ordered a coffee of course!) and played tug–o-war until we were both tired out. We boarded the plane together, and you would have thought we were on the red carpet. Everyone’s eyes were on Seamus!
I have flown a lot in my life and I still get anxious, so I had the idea that airlines should walk a puppy up and down the aisle before takeoff to calm everyone down. Seamus stole the show and the hearts of many in Cleveland and Dallas while we traveled one mile and one Blue Buffalo puppy treat at a time.
After 14 hours of travel for myself and nearly 8 hours of travel for Seamus, we touched down in Southern California at 10 pm “Cali time.” It was time for him to meet his furever parents! Unfortunately, Maureen and I were not able to meet, but her husband was there to meet and greet Seamus. All he could muster out was, “Holy smokes!” Seamus was real all along and even cuter in person! All of the time, money, and emotion invested in this moment paid off. We chatted about all of the veterinarian records, vaccination documents, registration paperwork, and diet. It was time for Maureen and her husband to binge-watch Netflix with their furever furbaby.
Make Your Puppy Dreams Come True
Every day working for Pawrade offers a chance to show that I care about helping connect dog lovers to their new lifelong furfriend. It is absolutely fulfilling and slightly addictive! I have assisted in making this dream come true with people from all over the world, across the country, and in my own zip code! Our puppies have been a part of newlywed weddings, the first pets for wonderful families, joined celebrity status with famous musical artists, and even provided life-changing moments through the Make-A-Wish Foundation!
To this day, previous clients still keep me up-to-date with pictures and important family moments that they have shared with their Pawrade Puppy. But of course, my most joyous moments have been meeting our clients and handing their puppy to them directly. The looks on their faces remind me of the joy and therapy that I feel from the companionship with my own dog.
With years of experience matching families with their new puppies, our Pawrade team will help you every step of the way. And if you’re feeling nervous about your new puppy traveling to meet you, have no fear! Pawrade’s flight nannies and ground transporters are there to help make sure everything goes smoothly with your puppy travel experience and that your four-legged friend arrives happy and healthy. If you are looking for your furry best friend, contact Pawrade today at (888) 729-8812.
