The First 24 Hours (or so)

I'm not sure where I heard this, but whomever it was was wise..."You don't always get the dog you want, but you ALWAYS get the dog you need." This has been so true with our experience with Kaiah. Brian and I are not patient. Kaiah is teaching us how to be, and we a thankful for that. She moves slowly. When she wants to leave the safety of her kennel, it generally takes about 15 minutes (except right now we just came home and she bounded out of her kennel!). If she needs to go outside, she will shake for 10 minutes in the lawn before getting to business. If she wants to pick up a ball, that takes a few minutes too. But that's okay, she deserves the time!

When we first got her on Thursday night, we were shocked how tiny and skinny she was. Just this little naked dog, with a long skinny tail who would shake. She was still so, very sweet though. Never showing a hint of agression. Although, she's quickly taken the position of "leader" over our dog Marley and he seems to respect her and give her the space she needs. I found this very encouraging to see that she was able to salvage a little bit of her confidence, despite all she's been through.......

Even in the short time we've had her, she's made GREAT progress! She is shaking less and less. The most suprising thing about her, is she loves toys and balls! I never would have guessed, but she "collects" all of the tennis balls around the house and puts them in her kennel. Last night we woke up to her squeaking away at a toy in her kennel. It was great to see her having fun.

She doesn't have any accidents when in the house. She waits to be let out when we get home and goes- this has amazed us! I think just being on a schedule is going to do her a world of good.

Got to go! My vetrinarian friend is coming over tonight for a camp fire, maybe she'll have some useful tips for us and Kaiah! We will post pictures tomorrow (the pic in the title isn't her- but I would guess that's pretty close to what she'll look like once her hair starts to grow in a little).