Why am I moving with dogs?!?
Earlier this year, I completed a certification in Shelter Management and started to virtually hit the pavement with my resume and cover letters. While I was open to moving, I knew that leaving Colorado would require a really incredible opportunity. It would have to be something really special to get me to commit to an interstate move (one of the top five most stressful things EVER!) and even more special since it would require the added chaos especially since it would mean moving with dogs! I am beyond excited to share that I have accepted the Vice President of Operations position at Wayside Waifs in Grandview, Missouri!
The original 1944 Wayside Waifs logo
Wayside Waifs is a charitable animal shelter whose purpose is to place adoptable companion animals in responsible homes. Started in 1944, the organization provides temporary shelter for homeless companion animals, educates the public and works to develop partnerships, collaborations and strategic alliances to improve animal welfare efforts locally, regionally and nationally. My new position oversees adoptions (and yes, this is when I become the biggest enabler EVER! 😉 ), pet memorial services, the Bark Park, the retail area and more!
So, after 26 years in Colorado, I am packing up my crew and two decades of my life and heading to Kansas City! Like right now!
My dogs see any packing as a sure sign of the apocalypse! Five stress-reducing moving tips. Click To TweetStress reducing tips for moving with dogs
This all happened so fast that my head is still spinning. It was literally a matter of weeks between when I submitted my application and when I had to be in Kansas City. Sorting through and packing up 26 years of my life and all the dog related paraphernalia was no easy task and the dogs proved, once again, that their lack of opposable thumbs means they could not assist with packing and preparations. #MYDOGSARESLACKERS
Because my dogs see packing of any kind, even lunch, as a sure sign of the apocalypse, I tried really hard to reduce their stress as much as possible. I left packing the bedroom until the very end so that they always had a safe, uncluttered space to rest and I used the garage and a spare room to place packed boxes and suitcases in an effort to reduce anxiety.
Stress Reducing Moving Tips
Top 5 Tips to reduce moving stress for dogs! Click To Tweet
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved furry family member Zora ? I’m so happy for your exciting new position and look forward to hearing even more about it! These moving tips are all terrific. I’m lucky Harley and Shasta were good movers since I know now I did it all wrong…
Thanks for the sweet thoughts about Zora. I know that you understand the loss all too well. Thanks also for the good wishes on the new job. It’s really exciting!
Alison, Sorry to hear about Zora. At the same time, congrats on your wonderful new chapter. Wishing you all the best and that we see you when you are back visiting your parents.
Thank you so much, Liz. It has definitely been a challenging month. I’m thrilled to have started at Wayside! I will look forward to seeing you the next time we’re in town.
We’ve used doggie daycare for our moves (including one of the cats). It was SO much easier to bring the dog/cat in after the chaos. You did so well moving with your crew so quickly!
Thanks! The move was definitely a major sprint. We are finally starting to feel a little settled. Still so much to do at the house and the dogs are needing some more decompression time. The new fully fenced in yard has been a BIG hit! 🙂
First of all, I’m so sorry about Zora. That is really sad. I lost my beloved cat Mousey in the midst of a move years ago. Secondly, congratulations on your new position! I know you’ll be a great asset to the shelter, they are lucky to have you. Moving with pets can be so stressful. The best decision we made was to move our pets out into the new house before totally clearing out the old house and listing it for sale. They would not have done well being in the house while strangers came in & out to see it. Doggie Day Camp is also a great option. Best of luck in the new job!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thank you so much. I am so sorry to hear about Mousey. That must have been awful! Thanks for the good wishes on the new job. I am so excited to be here and to be getting started at Wayside. I love my team and my colleagues and am really enjoying all that KCMO has to offer. Can’t wait to give some tours during the 2018 BlogPaws! 😉
I am about to move with my six cats, I’m not looking forward to it in the least because they are already showing signs of stress with the small amount of packing we have done
Wayside is a beautiful shelter. Congratulations on the job.
Thanks, Connie! I am loving Wayside so far and am really enjoying getting to explore KCMO. Packing is so stressful on pets! Did you see the tip from another reader (Kristin from the Daily Pip)? She recommends getting cats into their carries well in advance of the arrival of the movers on moving day so that no one can get out by accident during the chaos of the move. All the best on your upcoming move!
I am SO happy for you, but I am also incredibly sorry for your loss of Zora. I’ll be praying for you and look forward to updates.
Thank you on all counts! Hugs to you! 🙂
Sophie gets anxious when we pack for a vacation, I imagine she’d be super nervous if we were moving! Although I don’t plan on moving anytime soon, it is always good to have the tips in case I need them!
Moving is so stressful on everyone! I can’t believe they haven’t invented a transporter a la Star Trek yet! 😉
I’m still in awe that you made this move. 26 years in one place is a long time. We have made a couple of short distance moves with our current crew but only in the Chicago area and not half way across the country.
My biggest tip for cats is to get them in carriers long before the movers arrive and to keep them in carriers while you are in the car actually moving. They can be such escape artists and I have heard way too many sad stories of cats getting lost during the moving process.
It still feels a little surreal. I can’t believe how quickly we made the move. It’s crazy! Great tip on getting cats in carriers before the movers arrive so they don’t have the opportunity to get out or to find a hiding place where they might get lost.
Wayside Waifs is the best animal pet care center in Kansas City. Obviously I like mostly wayside waifs animal shelter. Thank you Alison Reder for sharing these.
I agree! I am enjoying getting to know the organization and my new community of animal welfare colleagues. Glad you found the tips helpful.
Hi Alison
Good Tips you share with us, Thank you
Thanks! Glad you found them to be helpful!
I came in a little late to your blog so you must have been well entrenched in the new job and the place. Your tips are fabulous and I am so happy that you have shown so much concern for the dogs especially lessen their anxiety about moving to the new place.