Hope I can remember most of what has happened this past week!  We continue our daily process of getting to know one another, feel comfortable with one another, and love each other.  

I've learned the spot where she likes to be rubbed/massaged and her hind leg will come up and kick softly.  She can be kept busy and distracted with the reflection of a shiny object... hilarious!  She knows when to go outside, so when I open the sliding door she's right there... but once, she forgot about the screen door, and bump/bounced back for a second.  

We have gone for a couple of walks and the first time she was very distracted, stopping for awhile, and upon hearing other dogs barking would freeze up.  Second time around, much better, walked nicely by my side, did not stare/smell/ etc at everything and when several dogs started barking (one really close in a corner house), she did stop and hesitate for a moment, but quickly continued on her walk with my reassurance.  I think that's what she expects from me.  She has met a few of my friends by now, and I must say that her rowdy reactions are decreasing significantly, quieting down after a minute or less, and she even lied down between the chairs as we conversed, which she had not done before!  

We have had a couple of accidents in the house, unfortunately.  I blame myself for most of them, but this morning's "pipi" on the living room rug is all on her! :-)  I guess that I'm gonna have to decor without rugs for a little while....

She went for her first Vet visit yesterday!  Had blood drawn (all negative/normal), had her DHPP booster, and passed her general checkup with flying colors!  She has gained 2 lbs since she's been home with me!  She was very well behaved, and got many treats while she was there!  We went to Twin Peaks Vet Clinic.  They are wonderful!  Very loving and attentive staff, definitely made us feel welcome and was very calming for Blanca, despite going there to be "stabbed" and "looked at". LOL. 

I'm really proud of Blanca, and how she has come along!  She must have gone through so much in her first months of life, but now we are working on her being a happy, healthy and well behaved dog!  It'll take lots of patience and love, but I'm ready.  We will be taking Training classes soon as well.

I also thank my puppy for making it fun and exciting to come home every day.  It's such a great feeling knowing that there is someone waiting for you who will welcome you with "open paws"!  Like on the day that I was feeling so bad at work because of a patient's illness, to the point where I broke down for a minute (or two)... well, all that sadness went away when I got home and looked at her and hugged her.  My mom always said that animals great make companions who expect very little in return.... she was right again, and now I get it. 

First thoughts

Forgive me because I am not much of a writer.

This Blog is a way for me to learn and remember one of the most special times in my life.

So if you read this, you probably know me.  I have a career, a life, am full of life and fun and don't have major regrets.  But this is a whole new ballpark!  I adopted a puppy on Saturday January 22, 2011.  I live in Tucson, been here 10 years.  We had a great tragedy just a couple of weeks ago.  America paid attention, even if only for its short attention span.  Our congresswoman, Gabby Giffords, was shot in the head and several others died or were wounded, including of course a 9-year-old girl.  Horrible. Shameful.

Move forward to 4 days ago.  I knew I wanted a dog, a companion, someone to take care of me and vice-versa.  A good friend asked me today, why now? Was it impulsive? Did I give up on having children or am I testing the waters? All very valid questions. Honestly, I don't know the answer.  But I think that instead of saying I gave up on having children I have decided to start a family and share special moments with someone. Whatever happens next, we'll see.

It was serendipitous.  A normal Saturday motorcycle ride turned into a casual visit to a Petsmart in Tucson  (Broadway and Pantano?). Tucson cold wet noses (http://tucsoncoldwetnoses.com) rescue group was there. I didn't even know where I was but once I saw her I knew she was the right one.  Yeah she was skinny, yeah she was shy, then barking up a storm... but when you know you know. This little girl was in a crate with her brother and she was very protective. She was gorgeous! But if you looked past her hesitation, excitement, anxiety, you could see a great pup.  I am glad it happened.

If you ask me, what is she? I have no freaking clue!  But I know she is gorgeous! And during the past 4 days, she has become an irresistible force of cuteness and unconditional love that cannot be ignored. We are barely getting to know one another, but I think it'll work out fine.  Yes, I know I have a lot of work to do, but I am *finally* able to take the challenge.

I remember how the first evening her heart was beating so fast and her breathing was way too fast and shallow.... enough to make fingertips tingle!  But now she is calm while asleep, which, to my untrained brain means that she feels secure.

My "sister" JoJo gave me a book "Puppies for Dummies".  Yeah yeah I know... what? But you know, great read! I don't pretend to know a thing about pups, but over the past 24 hrs it has helped a lot!  I am also grateful and *blessed* to have such fantastic friends, family and support system right now.

Even if no one reads this blog I will cherish it.  It will be a testament of the new challenges and experiences that I face each day, and hopefully will help me become a better momma.