Bringing Rocket home

Bringing home a puppy is one of those decisions that sits somewhere between exciting and slightly terrifying.

You know life is about to get louder, messier, and a lot more chaotic — but you also know it’s going to be full of joy.

For me, that puppy was Rocket, my Border Collie from Korben Park.

This is the story of why I decided to get a puppy, how we prepared for him, and what it was like bringing him home.

The Decision to Get a Puppy

Since moving into our place in 2016, Sarah and I have talked about getting puppies. Sarah took the plunge in 2019 when she brought home Lacey, her Australian Shepherd. She’s been part of our lives for years and has always been part of our daily routines, adventures, and quiet moments.

But Lacey is Sarah’s puppy and I’ve always said I’d get one when it felt right. Each year I’ve considered it and each year there have been other things taking priority. I told myself to research the kind of dog I’d want and find an ethical breeder I can be confident with. With my 40th birthday on the horison I started thinking about adding another dog to our little pack.

Part of it was the idea of giving Lacey a companion. Dogs are social creatures, and while she gets plenty of love and attention from us, another dog means someone to play with, run with, and share the day with.

I loved the idea of being able to bring my growing puppy to see my grandad, who moved into assisted care last year. He has a soft spot for dogs and I knew I wanted to be able to brighten his week with a doggo visit.

I’ve never had a dog of my own, I’ve had pet mice and family pets but I thought it may be time to bring home a best friend. Having that feeling many dog lovers understand — when you know there’s space in your life and heart for another dog.

After plenty of conversations, planning, and support from Sarah I decided it was time.

Choosing the Right Puppy

When choosing a puppy, I wanted a breed that would fit our lifestyle as well as match Lacey’s energy.

I love spending time outdoors and going on adventures, so a Border Collie felt like a natural fit. They’re incredibly intelligent, energetic, and thrive when they’re given things to do. Being a working breed like Lacey meant he’d enjoy running around outside and playing with her. I also wanted to make sure and find a dog that would enjoy downtime just as much as our adventures. Working from home means my dog has company but I do still need to get work done. Finding the right fit was really important to me.

Rocket came from Korben Park, a breeder known for raising well-socialised family friendly border collies. They put a lot of time and effort into raising calm puppies but they also start with the parents. Having calm happy dogs the puppies care get their traits from makes all the difference.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted a puppy who would grow up in an environment that valued temperament, health, and early experiences. I loved the information I could get from Kira and their process of matching puppies with the people. I’m forever grateful to them for Rocket.

Preparing for a Puppy

Before bringing Rocket home, we spent time getting everything ready. Puppies might be small, but they come with a surprising amount of preparation.

Some of the things we made sure we had ready included:

• A comfortable crate for sleeping and quiet time

• Food and water bowls

• Puppy-appropriate food

• Lots (and lots) of chew toys

• A secure area for him to safely explore

• Training treats for early learning

• A routine plan for feeding, toilet training, and playtime

One of the most important things I thought about wasn’t actually a “thing” at all — it was time.

Puppies need attention, patience, and consistency. I made sure we could give Rocket the time he would need to settle in, learn, and feel safe in his new home.

The Day We Brought Rocket Home

Bringing a puppy home is a moment you never forget.

There’s excitement, a little nervousness, and that sudden realisation that this tiny fluffball is now part of your family.

Given the long round trip Sarah and I had to do to The first few hours are always about letting them explore and settle in.

Rocket was curious, full of energy, and already showing the clever, alert personality Border Collies are known for.

Everything was new to him — new smells, new spaces, new people, and of course meeting Lacey.

We took things slowly, letting them get used to each other at their own pace.

Before long, Rocket was already making himself at home.

The Reality of Puppy Life

If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, it’s important to know the reality.

Puppies are wonderful — but they’re also:

• Chewing machines

• Tiny tornadoes of energy

• Masters of chaos

• Experts at stealing your heart

There will be early mornings, accidents on the floor, and moments where you wonder why you thought this was a good idea.

But there will also be the first time they run to you when you call their name.

The first time they curl up beside you and fall asleep.

And the moment you realise you can’t imagine life without them.

Life With Rocket

Rocket is still growing, learning, and discovering the world.

Border Collies are incredibly smart dogs, which means life with Rocket involves lots of training, play, and mental stimulation.

But it also means watching a brilliant little mind figure things out every day.

And seeing the relationship between Rocket and Lacey develop has been one of the best parts of the journey so far.

Was Getting a Puppy the Right Decision?

Absolutely.

Is life a little noisier now?

Definitely.

But it’s also more joyful, more energetic, and full of the kind of moments only dogs bring into your life.

Rocket might still be a puppy, but he’s already an important part of our family — and we can’t wait to see what adventures lie ahead.

If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, my biggest advice is simple:

Plan ahead, be patient, and prepare to fall completely in love.

Because once that little dog comes home, everything changes in the best possible way.

If you'd like, I can also help you create:

• A second blog post:“Our First Week With Rocket (What I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Puppy)”
• A puppy checklist article:“Everything You Need Before Bringing a Puppy Home”
• A Rocket blog series for Rise & Shine Adventures (these do very well for SEO and dog-owner audiences).