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.