The trip to bring Emmett home to Montana was exhausting for both of us!

I hadn’t flown in 10 years and although security was tight last time, nothing like this trip. And in the preparation, I had not looked at Portland Airport – my destination – I had no idea it was a large airport … relatively speaking. I was expecting something slightly larger than Kalispell Airport. And then, my rental car… My daily drive is a no frills 2002 Jeep Wrangler. I rented a 2017 Yukon XL. I got in the car, picked up what I thought was the key fob, but no key. I spent about 15 minutes sitting in the garage, reading the manual to make sure I knew how to turn on wipers and lights and AC/Heat. Then had to stop a bit down the road to figure out how to adjust mirrors. Sheesh!! I am always taken aback when technology beats me up!!

Despite all of that, I arrived at the home of the Peterschmidt’s about 45 minutes ahead of what I thought.

And I met Emmett. He had just had a bath and was handed to me in a towel. I snuggled him close, looked him in the eye and said “Oh Emmett. Do you want to come with me to Montana and be my dog?”. And then he kissed me. So much laughter and I was nearly in tears. Happy, happy moment.

The Peterschmidt’s fed me, gave me a bed for the overnight and I got to ease into their routine of puppies (2 others in addition to Emmett were waiting to go to their new homes) and their 5 grown up dogs. Plus, 4 of their 7 children still at home and “Grandma” was visiting. I had a wonderful time visiting, talking dogs and life and was mostly relaxed the next morning when Emmett and I left for the trip home.

The trip home involved the 2 hour drive to the airport with a stop at a UPS Store where I shipped home everything but Emmett and me so as to travel light.

The drive and rental return went fine. We checked in with no issues – special check in when travelling with an animal in the cabin. Then security… That went well, but it was busy, noisy – lots of commotion. Emmett did great. With an animal, you remove them from their carrier and go through a different line for the metal sweep and some other checks. Everything else: carrier, handbag, shoes, jacket, iPad went in the standard bins through the scanner. We all came out the other side and reunited. Emmett just snuggled in my arms and did not seem concerned despite the noise. We made our way to the gate and I took him out of his carrier to be in my arms until we boarded. We attracted a bit of attention but everyone was so respectful and asked before approaching. He did fine with that also as people moved slowly and let him make the first move toward them. I was so pleased with Emmett and all of the people!

On board, my carrier fit lengthwise so I was able to position it so that Emmett could see me well and vice versa. He put his head on his paws and relaxed. At the Peterschmidt’s, I allowed all of the puppies to mouth my boots and drag them around so there would be some of their scent on the boots, I hoped. I kept my boots at the side vents of the carrier. Emmett whined briefly as we got situated and then was quiet until our descent. There was a small cry and then he resettled. I’m guessing maybe ears as we started down.

On landing we went to a grassy area and had a bit of outside time before getting in the Jeep and heading home. At home, I left Emmett in the Jeep while I greeted Auggie, freshened his food and litter boxes and listened to his complaints about being left. I then brought Emmett into the sunroom and after a little exploring, put him in the play pen.

I left the sunroom doors closed – let Emmett and Auggie look at each other, sniff and I quietly went about getting situated. In a bit, I let Emmett out of the pen so they could get a better look and sniff. We’ve been slowly spending more time together and there have been nose touches. Emmett gave Auggie a kiss which Auggie responded to with a face that looked like it said “Yuck”!

This morning (Wednesday, 2nd morning) Emmett did a play bow and a little puppy bark to invite play but Auggie is not quite ready. Still, they both advance and retreat and I am very pleased that although Emmett badly wants to play, he resists (mostly) a chase and sits down with his tail wagging rapidly. They will get there!

Meanwhile a few (or more than a few) fun photos from these first days:

Emmett sleeps in the wire crate next to my bed. I put the shirt I’ve worn that day and his big fleecy bone plus a small container of water in with him. He is a good sleeper and the few times he whined in the night, I put my hand in the carrier so he knows I’m there and he goes right back to sleep.

Above is a screen capture from my phone showing the view when dropping in via my Amazon Echo Spot. I can also hear and Emmett can hear my voice if I speak.

Emmett is a joy. It is fun watching him and Auggie work out how to be brothers. Emmett follows me everywhere and lies down at my feet when I sit or am working in one spot. He is getting a bit bolder and exploring the house but does not go far from me. Outside he also follows, and is having a great time figuring out pinecones, sticks – a LOT of sticks! – and other treasures on the ground.

So much fun – happy days here!