Adoption Day + 2

Wow, so much has happened since yesterday. Sierra officially became a memeber of my family yesterday at 11:15am. I was sooooo excited, so was she. She was in a playpen with another dog, and when she saw me she went nuts. I went to get the kennel attendant and fill out the final paper work, it was great, they were all so happy for me.

We went to get Sierra. I had the new leash, collar and harness for her which she sniffed and, not finding any other dog scent on them, became even more excited. She was incredibly patient as I put everything on her, and started to lead her out. She thought we were going for a walk, so, after a few minutes of convincing her, she finally understood that she was going for a car ride. I thought she was happy before, but now... WOW! Of course I was grinning ear to ear too.

Next up was a 3 hour appointment at the groomers. I took her for the full-meal-deal at PetSmart. They were really great with her. When I explained that I literally just got her out of 'the pen', and didn't want her to think I was just leaving her somewhere else, they agreed (against policy) to allow me to accommpany Sierra. So there I was, sitting on the floor in front of her kennel, reading a book and trying to keep her calm.

She did so well, I was really proud of her. I'm amazed at how loud it is in there though. I mean, all the machines they use are noisy. No wonder I see dogs scared at places like these. Sierra liked the bath (once she got used to the spray nozzle), and put up with the drier. I think what bothered me most about the entire procedure was the air nozzles they use when drying them in the kennel. It's so noisy. But also, when they started up, Sierra got scared and looked at me like I was gassing her. I almost started to cry. Holding back the tears I kept talking quietly to her and even put my hand in front of the nozzel, just to see how much it was blowing.

After the drying, it came time to clip her nails, which she didn't mind at all. Then a massage and brushing. All in all it was a learning experience for me, successful, but still kind of upsetting. Might try washing her myself next time. Now that WILL be an experience.

We drove out to my parents place next, they are fostering her until I find a place to buy, she was so happy to be in a home. Followed me everywhere. Snuggled alot too.

My parents love her, my niece and nephew too. Sierra was so good, although her 'sit, stay' skills are lacking a bit. I think it's just because of the excitement of being in a new place and wanting to be close to everyone.

There is so much more to this story, a stormy night, Sierra's anxiety, 1am pee break, growling at unfamilliar noises, restlessness, the need to protect all of us....and so on. Neither she nor I slept.

Then, my leaving her at my parents place today, me crying, she upset and trying to follow...I've never had seperation anxiety before. When I got home, I called my parents and they put Sierra's ear to the phone so I could talk to her. Told her I loved her and I would see her on Thursday night (something I had tried to explain for the past 2 days), and to be good. Mom said she was listening. I think she understood because I called back a few hours later to see how she was, and apparently she was sleeping calmly on the floor near my Mom.

What a day Saturday was. I think this will have to be a 2-parter. I'm too tired to write any more.

T - 3 and Counting

Oh Boy!!! only 3 days left, then Sierra officially joins my family. I'm soooo excited! I haven't been able to see her at the shelter for 2 days, driving me nuts. Work really gets in the way of life sometimes. At least when she goes to my parent's place I know she'll get lots of attention and walks. It'll be so great to share a place with her. One of my collegues said; "yup, only three more days til you get a big smelly roommate". SIERRA DOESN'T SMELL!!!! Ok, she is big, but even for a shelter pup, she doesn't smell. Oddly enough, her comment could be said about a few guys I know...I mean if I was dating any of them.

I think I'm all ready for her. I've gotten everything she'll need, and the love & hugs I have in abundance.

Still haven't found a town house. I keep being told conflicting stories...wait and the prices will go down, wait & the prices will go up... don't know who to believe. I think they will level out, but not go down exactly. Maybe building will slow down.

Who knows.

T -16 and Counting

So, it's only 16 more days until Sierra officially joins my family. Longest 16 days of my life.

I've become the quissentential pet guardian...bought the food dish, toys, & treats in the past couple of weeks. This past week, my parents gave me couple of gifts for her (a toy and a gourmet cookie). And tonight I went out and bought the water bowl (the type that looks like a water dispenser), and a bag of dog food. I'm still going to change her over the a RAW diet, but figured that with the move and so many new/strange things around her, I'd at least keep her food the same. That is, until I find a town house and we move in.

Still looking for a town house. Saw a couple that are certainly in the running, but more are coming up for sale every day, so I'll keep a look out.

I already know I'm going to end up being one of those annoying pet guardians that always talk about something cute the pup did today. And the snap shots...thank goodness for digital cameras. I can't wait to do a Christmas card with the 2 of us on it.

I was telling a friend the other day, that one of the things I am most looking forward to, is hearing Sierra breathing at night as she sleeps by my bed. To feel safe, to actually sleep properly for the first time in a very long time. Abuse survivors rarely sleep well, we're always listening...to be safe. So it will be a joy to go to sleep feeling safe. Of course, I'll probably worry about Sierra all the time...is she sleeping ok?, why did she get up?, is she having a bad dream? and not get any sleep anyways.

I've been picturing the house warming too. Sierra and I greeting people at the front door. That will be fantastic!!

I think my parents are as excited as I am about the adoption. I know my niece and nephew are. My Mom has been comparison shopping for beds, treats, etc. it's nice when the whole family accepts a new soul into it.

Let's see, if I go to bed now, T -15 will come sooner.

The Waiting Starts

Well, I've been looking for a place for myself & my beloved shelter pup. I've had a few possibilities, and I'm making an appointment to see one place that allows dogs.

I wonder when Canada will get with the rest of the world and allow dogs in all apartments & condos. I mean, if you pay $300,000.00 or $500,000.00 for an apartment or condo, who has the right to tell you can't have a domestic pet of your choice. You pay a HALF a MILLION dollars, and someone says; "Oh, no pets...or cats only" . What B.S.


I went to see 'my girl' today. What a sweetie. I was talking with the Animal Welfare Officer about Sierra and apparently they had even put an ad in the newspaper for her. No one has taken her yet. And she is the sweetest dog, intelligent, well behaved, loving. And she's pretty darn cute too. Oh well, other peoples' loss is my gain. I picked up the adoption application today.

I know one of these possibilities will pan out, I hope it's the condo. Then at least I will own it...ok, me and the bank for a number of years, but still.

Wish Me Luck