Salena

I can' tell you how happy we are to have Salena as part of our family.

Day 1-Salena was shy the first night we brought her home, but we expected that. She whimpered a little on the ride home- she wasn't sure what to expect. She did like the window down, so I held on tight as she put her head out of the windows those ears were so cute flapping in the wind. Once we got home, the neighbors all came to see our new baby. She laid down on the drive way while all the kids took turns petting her. She was very tolerant. We gave her a bath-although this is the first animal I have ever bathed and the water ran clear the entire time. You all did an excellent job taking care of her. After bath time we snuggled her up in one my youngest daughter's old baby blankets and she fell asleep on my lap. I didn't want to get up. I just loved snuggling her. After a while we took her outside and she went potty, ¦like a good girl. After some treats, and praise for getting into her new crate/den, she took to it with ease. We left a small lamp on and the animal planet channel so she wouldn't feel so alone. (I wanted to put her in my bed with me, but the kitties weren't ready for that yet). She made a few sounds when I went upstairs, but quieted down and went to sleep within 5 minutes.

Day 2-Salena has come out of her shell (a little). She was happy to see me in the morning when I let her out of her den and took her out for a walk/potty time. She ate a little of her breakfast and got her stuffed bunny that she snuggles and took a nap in the living room while I drank my coffee and watched the morning news. When I got up to take my shower she followed me, but wasn't ready to tackle going upstairs yet. The kids had a great day with playing and going on short walks in yard. My oldest daughter is very attentive to her, and I can tell she is a fast favorite of Salena's. When I got home from work she was a little shy again, but warmed up by bedtime. She is still not sure to think about my hubby- he is so tall I think that intimidates her a little. We took her for her first vet appointment- she was a very good girl. She wasn't sure about getting in the car again, but was wagging her tail when we got back home. The vet said she was very cute and she did honor the certificate for a free office visit. Our two cats have been watching her from afar. The male won't come near her, but he is very skiddish, the female, is very curious, but hasn't gotten the nerve to get very close. Salena saw both of them out of the back door- they were on the deck looking in and she was looking out- her tail was wagging- she wanted to make some new friends. I just smiled- she is such a sweet girl. At night she went to bed without any whimpering and has been going in and out of her crate throughout the day without any problems.

Day 3-Salena is showing more of her personality now. She is getting used to our schedule and has really taken to our girls. They are already getting kisses from Salena on their cheeks. It is so cute. She likes her toys- we bought her a kong toy today- the stuff-able kind. We put some really smelly treats in there, and she had a blast with it. I love to watch her and her expressions. We can all tell that she is beginning to trust us more and more each day. She is also having a good time when we take her outside. She has been learning all of the new smells and is eager to make friends with Sadie (our female cat). She has been going potty outside fairly well. She is still not eating very much at meal time, but I think that will get better as she gets more comfortable. We all just love her so much already. How could we not- she is the most precious dog I have ever met.

Day 4-There's my girl! She is now wagging her tail, and playing in the floor with me. She was ready to go out when I woke her up and went potty right away. She is brining her toys in and out of her den and is looking like a happy puppy. (My husband even went shopping and bought her some chew toys and a leash so he could walk her. I am pleasantly surprised. I am usually the one who gets the treats and does the walking, but he is excited and really loves being with her). Salena is the perfect addition to our family.

I know if she could talk and thank you for taking her in and being so good to her, she would. She was worth saving and we are forever grateful to Linda and all of the volunteers at Hickory Hill for everything they have done to take care of Salena and nurse her back to excellent health. We will continue to send photos of her as she grows, and we will come visit at Pet Smart too when we can. We gave her lots of hugs and kisses from Linda. ¦I know she misses this sweet girl. I am sending some pictures too for all of you to enjoy.
Sincerely,
Salena's Mom
Becky