Help needed - Picking up a dog - Have no family or friends - Journey Help

JF7891
JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

Hi there,

I have schizophrenia, stoma bag, anxiety, depression and lots of other things.

I am picking up my pug dog next Friday, however it is really really far away (9h trip), and I have to plan everything, I already bought all the puppy supplies, the dog, and tickets. I have made a lot of notes guiding me through the travels.

However I would feel way safer, if there was someone I could call if something goes wrong, as I have no family or friends left here in the UK.

The travel time would be between 9am-10.30pm, so it's kind of out of hours, and e.g. I am also scared because of stoma bag changes, railway works i.e. replacement busses without toilets and longer travel time etc., annoyed travellers etc.

I am really scared, but I would do anything for my dog!

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Comments

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 986 Trailblazing

    have you thought about using a licenced pet courier may be less stressful for you and the dog

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

    That's a good idea, however it's a very long travel over multiple counties, at least 4-5 to and another from. Quotes start at £310, picking her up myself is £100.

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 986 Trailblazing

    no problem just a thought at least you will have some bonding time on the way home enjoy the trip

  • Zipz
    Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 1,638 Empowering

    Are you planning to travel 9 hours by bus or train with a new puppy, who does not yet know you or the wider world? It sounds a lot for you with you medical conditions. It will be traumatic for the pup! Animals suffer mentally too. He needs to travel safely by car. Bonding comes later when he's home with you.

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

    No, I'm planning to travel only 4h with her by train only and one short 10 mins taxi ride.

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,717 Scope Online Community Specialist

    Have you informed the rail companies that you may need assistance? Rail companies can often put things in place to help you on your journey, I would at least mention that may need help with toilet access given the stoma bag?

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

    The assistance they provide has always been marginal, that's why charities and the NHS hand out RADAR keys like candy. But there is one particular train stop where would like to at least empty my bag, however it states on their info page that if it is out of hours, there won't be any staff to open the toilets… I just don't know whether there is a direct barrier or whether it's just locked, and I can open the accessible toilet with my RADAR key.

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,717 Scope Online Community Specialist

    Yeah, I'd have been in a bad situation with my Crohn's a few times without a radar key. You could call ahead and ask about the facilities at that particular station? They should be able to provide information on it.

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

    It's mostly for a some form of phone contact, where I can call like 24/7 on matters of travel in case I get stranded or such, I am anxious person so having that comfort means a lot already. I just want to plan everything ahead so it will be as smooth as butter.

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

    I tried calling them just now, someone picked up, but then left, and all i can hear is these ominous background noises, as if it was murder scene.

  • MW123
    MW123 Scope Member Posts: 904 Championing

    @JF7891

    It sounds like you’ve really put a lot of care into preparing for your new puppy, and I can see how much this means to you. However, I cannot help but feel concerned about the long journey, especially considering the health issues you’re managing. Don’t forget to take the breeder’s contact numbers with you, just in case there are any delays, so you can keep them informed and ensure they’re home when you arrive.

    Just a thought: have you asked the breeder if they could meet you halfway at a convenient location? That might help alleviate some of the stress for you.

    When you went to view your puppy before purchasing, did you travel by train or coach? How did that journey go for you? I’m asking because it’s a long trip, and this time you’ll not only have your extra luggage for your stoma bags and wipes but also a pet carrier basket to manage. That’s a lot to handle on your own.

    I know this might be none of my business, but I am genuinely worried for both you and your puppy. It might be worth considering paying the extra difference for a pet courier service, as @michael57 suggested. That way, you can focus on your well-being while ensuring your new puppy has a safe and comfortable journey, so you can be stress-free and ready to welcome your pup into their new home.

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering

    What planet have you grown from that you carry a tiny pug puppy in a massive create by hand lol, seriously get a grip, and stop condescension masked as worry, dont need your judgment, srlsy this is sickening im appalled

  • JF7891
    JF7891 Scope Member Posts: 126 Empowering
    edited September 2024
    1. Pug puppies weigh less than 2kg
    2. They are supposed to be carried in a sling while travelling
    3. You pick pets up, you dont ask the seller to deliver them
    4. [Removed by moderator - uncivil]
    5. Clearly you dont know anything about stomas, all you need is a few wipes, tiny dog poo bags, tiny spray bottle, and a spare stoma bag, thats literally it

    I know dog care as i had a dog for over 8 years, who literally just died 2 days ago on the exact day of my mum's one year memorial.

    Furthermore, i have been a vegetarian nearly all my life and have risked my literal life and got hurt in the process for my former dog, [Edited - uncivil]

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 3,310 Championing

    MW, from one genuinely disabled person to another, I am also appalled and have flagged those last comments. There's bad-tempered and there's abusive and this reads like abuse which you certainly don't deserve.

  • JessieJ
    JessieJ Online Community Member Posts: 814 Pioneering

    We that rude & unbelievable attitude, I doubt much help will be forthcoming.

  • WhatThe
    WhatThe Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 3,310 Championing

    He wasn't asking for help, just telling us his plans.

  • Steveket67
    Steveket67 Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    hi, I suffer with anxiety, depression and PTSD so I totally understand your concerns. I’d be more than happy to help you out in any way I can. Stay positive and keep telling yourself that you’ve got this 💪🏼. A puppy is also a great incentive to get out outdoors. Everyone loves a puppy so it’s a good way of meeting new friends… 👍🏼😁

  • Zipz
    Zipz Online Community Member Posts: 1,638 Empowering

    I am concerned about your puppy.

    Good breeders of pedigree pugs (and other breeds) take care over many years to produce a healthy pup that is ready to leave its Mum at about 13 weeks. It's an expensive process and a pug puppy from a reputable breeder costs about £750 or even double depending on its lineage.

    At 13 weeks your pup ought to be house trained and used to household noises. However, it will not be used to travelling for four hours even assuming all goes smoothly. I am surprised that the breeder is not concerned.

    You mention that you cannot afford to pay for a courier. Perhaps you ought to have thought about your budget before buying a dog that could live sixteen years. Will he be insured for this length of time? If he is taken ill will you suddenly find hundred or thousands of pounds lying around to cover the vet bills? Do your homework.

  • Nightcity
    Nightcity Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 3,195 Championing

    You're extremely rude and; ignorant just to say @MW123 is one; of the nicest people on here and does care very much.

    I own a pug and I know they won't appreciate being on a train for 4 hours, they get very scared and are vulnerable.

    I'm sorry tor your predicament but abusing good people isn't the way to get support and make a good impression.

    I've included a couple of pictures of my girl just in case you don't believe me that I'm a pug owner.