Transition help please

[Mamanda]

Milo's current owner wrote me an e-mail and said he can tell Milo knows something is "up" because Milo is acting a little different since Terry (the owner) started gathering all of Milo's stuff today and cleaning it all up and putting everything packed in the living room.

Terry said he would walk around the house saying my name so that tomorrow when I meet Milo he will connect my name with my face. He said I might think he's weird for doing that, but Milo is so smart he will understand the connection. I guess he's been talking to Milo about everything too.

It makes me feel sad ... like I'm taking him away ... even though this is really what his owner thinks is best for him.

I'm so excited to meet Milo and have him join our family tomorrow ... but I know it will be a very tough day for Milo; most likely filled with confusion and fear.


Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can BEST make this transition easier on Milo? I know give him his space ... but anything else? Anything specific?

 

[MikeyTN]

Trying to keep his environment the same, I mean his cage and his toys, etc. Feed him the same feed. I couldn't do that with Java yesterday as the cage he was in was HUGE!!!! It's a 8'x5'x7' cage, for one, I don't have the space available, another there was no way for me to haul it without renting a uhaul which it was getting pretty late to do. But so far Java is doing pretty good. He's showing A LOT of interest in my partner today so I know that side is covered...lol....If I can get him to eat pellets now along with fruits and veggies, that we'll be set.

 

[suebee]

poor milo, personally i'd say time and space when he gets to yours, if his coming with his cage, keep it the same?

i think milo can feel the sadness in terry, he sounds like his in tune with milo.

and just allow him time to adjust to in his new home

 

[Pedro]

Milo needs everything to be as normal as possible when he arrives at your home. The best way to deal with things is to follow Milo's lead. I am sure his body language will tell you if he is copeing ok. He may really surprise you & settle in quickly. Or it could take a bit longer.

Ask his owner all the things he likes & doesn't like. And just go from there. Always be positive. How could you go wrong.

 

[roxynoodle]

I talked to Merlin over the phone before she got on the plane, and she seemed to recognize my voice then at the airport. I talked and sang to her the whole way home. And when we got here, she tried to open the carrier herself. I let her out and she stepped up and kissed me

She settled in pretty quickly, especially considering she can't see, which we didn't know. Had I known, it might have been easier yet on her as I didn't realize she couldn't see me coming to her, etc. Now I talk the whole time I'm moving around so she knows where I am.

She may also think the cat is one of her former dog companions because she keeps kissing her and she calls her that dog's name.

I thought she would be not so surprised by Pete because he looks liker her former amazon companion, but now I know she can't see him and doesn't know that.

I agree to try to set up his cage the same. I would talk to him a lot, and try handling him for short periods of time, several times a day rather than have him try to be out a long time with you. And he will probably let you know when he would like for you to handle him.