Bringing puppy home

Question
Hi.  I'm getting an 8-week old male beagle puppy in 2 weeks.  The breeder is approximately a 3-hour drive from where I live.  I have a travel carrier, water dish, etc. for the ride home and will stop a couple of times for him to do his business.  My question is this:  is it okay for me to go alone to pick the puppy up and have him in the carrier while in the car, or does somebody have to go with me?  If I have to have someone along it'll delay the trip by at least a week.  Thanks.  

Answer
You shouldn't need anyone to go with you. He/she should do fine in the carrier but, be sure to make it as comfortable as possible. Be sure to get a dog bed or blanket for the carrier. I would also suggest getting a ticking clock and placing it under the bed in the carrier. The ticking simulates the mothers and siblings heart beat. You may want to get him a stuff toy as well. I got a stuffed rabbit puppet for one of my beagles and placed the small ticking clock inside it. He loved it but, after a few years it was beyond repair. He is an old fella now but, has had one of his stuff toys for over 7 years. He takes it outside to potty with him.
A three hour ride for a pup is going to be long for him. The main thing I would worry about is travel sickness. Since you are stopping during the trip this will lessen the chances of him/her getting car sick.
Congrats on the new beagle and if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

Fellow beagle lover,

Kenny