As Amanda probably told you, the trip went pretty well.  We did have some battles with car sickness on the way to San Francisco, but I sort of expected that may be a problem... that is a long time for a little pup to be in the car. He’s feeling just fine now!!!

Besides that, he sure was a trooper.  He survived a 2 hour ride in the car, a 20 minute train/tram ride at the airport, and a 3 1/2 hour flight.  If we could have just got him on a boat, I think we would have covered all the major forms of transportation!!

He definitely was the talk of the airport.  This was the first time airport security was nice to me!  The lady by the metal detector was going crazy about him... she declared that the rat terrier is "the" dog she is going to get.  I even had a thirty year old tough-looking security guy looking like he was a 5 year old boy on Christmas day... he was peering through the sides of the carrying-on kennel, trying to catch a glimpse of the pup.  Very funny!  Then, as I was waiting for the plane at the gate, I had an older lady come over, TWICE, because she liked him so much.

Zelo (I think Amanda had told you we named him Zelo) was definitely a bit shook up during the whole experience.  I can't blame him.  Airports and traveling can be a bit of over-stimulating for a human, so I can't imagine what it would be like for an 8 week old pup.  We played by the gate for awhile.  I tried as best as I could to keep distance way from people, since he was exceptionally shy... again, just a bit much for an 8 week old puppy to handle.  We sat from a distance and watched the people.  He calmed down quite a bit, especially if he was observing from the comfort of my lap.

He has done very well here at home.  He was a bit shy at first, but has gotten very comfortable.  He isn't much of a big eater.  He especially didn't eat much the first day, guessing his stomach was a bit upset from the traveling & the experience of being away from home.

He definitely likes rough-housing with the bunny and a few other plush toys we have.  He hasn't really figured out what to do with some of the rubber chew toys we bought him.  I think they are a little too big for him at this point.

Potty training is going really well.  We only had one accident thus far.  That one accident was our fault.  We thought he was sniffing to go potty, but we wanted to make sure we clearly understood his mannerisms, so we wouldn't be taking out every time he sniffed the ground.  Our instincts proved to be right... guess we now are 100% sure what his "I need to go potty" sniffing looks like!!

Unfortunately, we have had to use the garage for our potty training place, since it has been raining the entire time since we got him home.  He has been really good at using the puppy pads.  There was a brief break in the rain yesterday and we got him in the yard.  He did go pee in the yard and we praised him like there was no tomorrow.  So now he basically has potty-training figured out.  He does steps already.  We taught him how to sit.  And he is a pro on the leash.  Smart little guy and so well mannered.  The perfect mix of companion/cuddler and active/fun.

His personality is really great.  He REALLY likes to be held, pet, and to lay next to us.  He is a bundle of fun and is one of the most cuddly/loving puppies I have seen.  He is well behaved for a pup too... we haven't had problems with chewing or anything as of yet.  He does seem to be a little co-dependent.  He whines when we aren't paying attention to him and of if he can't see us.  No surprise there, since he clearly seemed to be the "follower" compared to his brother.  I am guessing training will help develop his confidence and he will become more independent.
 

I once again want to again say a big thank you for giving us the chance to get Zelo.  He is truly a wonderful dog and we certainly love him.  I can't wait to see him grow up and to have the joy of training him into a spectacular adult dog.  It was a pleasure meeting you and I hope all is well for you.  We'll stay in touch.  I will send pictures as he gets a bit older.  Thanks again and take care!

John and Amanda Bred by Casa de Rats........