The new addition to the family, 14 to 16 November 2011

14 November 2011
Mike finished work at about 14:00, and by just after 15:00 we were heading north, as we have finally agreed to bite the bullet and get another dog.  We're off to look at some black and white ones in Rolleston.  Got to Weedons at about 20:30, after stopping in Geraldine for the famous fish and chips - really good this time.  Ate them at the picnic area just by the bridge out of Geraldine.  Had a few beers, and checked on line for anything else of interest - Mike had seen a trailer with a dinghy and a quad bike that looked interesting before we left, but it had already sold.  Also decided that we would go and look at the golden puppy in Woodend - because basically, we would both prefer a golden dog, even if he is way more expensive!

15 November 2011
Up early (excitement?) and organised to go and see the puppies at 9am-ish.  Got there, and OMG, what a mess!  And not only a mess, but 2 of the three puppies were clearly unwell, very, very skinny and dehydrated, so we told the lady to take them to the vet and left her to it.  Had rung and organised to go and see the other pup in Kaiapoi, where he was for the day.  Got there about 10am-ish and met some absolutely lovely people - and a gorgeous wee golden boy. 
So then off to Woodend, so we could exchange money, have him microchipped etc.  Met his Mum and Dad, got his pedigree and left there about 13:00.  Stopped to buy some puppy food (Sheree (his breeder) had given us some, but we needed more) and headed off back down SH1.  Got to Ashburton to put some diesel in, but the pumps were empty, so had to fill up at Mobil instead.  Bugger - costs more, but still a saving doing it at Mobil.  Good trip so far, considering we have a 10 week old pup on board.  One wee accident, and he did have a chuck not long after we left, but apart from that no problems. 

Tuckered out in the long grass!
At Lake Opuha Mike agreed that we'd done enough driving, so we stopped there just after 17:00.  Beautiful evening - 20 degrees, sunny, light breeze and perfect spot to chill and get to know the new addition.  He's now got a name: Stoney (goes with Roxie, he's very laid back - so laid back it's like he's "stoned" and we are now "stone" broke).  Had chicken chow mein (Maggi packet mix) for tea and put Stoney in the shower cubicle to sleep. 

By the boat ramp at Lake Opuha
16 November 2011
Up early (06:00) to let Stoney out - he only cried once during the night, and that was at the same time as he wet his blanket, so suspect it was more to do with needing out than crying for mum or sister.  It absolutely bucketed down during the night, but now a chilly (3 degrees) cloud-free and sunny dawn.  We are both amazed that Stonye didn't keep us awake most of the night.  Left there at just after 08:00, had "breakfast" at Lake Tekapo and got home at 12:20.