We picked up Laura today at the Fair Lakes Petsmart. I was so excited that I couldn't stop smiling the entire ride there! When I got to the van she was sitting in the back of her crate peeking out at me. There were crowds of people around and she was the last dog to be unloaded. I gave her some chicken jerky and she cautiously stuck her head out of the crate. After a few more pieces of jerky and some quiet coaxing, our shy Laura hopped out of the van and followed behind me as we weaved through the chaotic adoption event. My boyfriend, Will, was particularly excited to spend time with Laura and held her for the most of the event. They have become best buddies! Will fed her treats and spoke to her softly, while Laura looked up at him curiously. After a couple of hours, Laura was rolling over for belly rubs and kissing him on the nose. As the adoption event went on, I came by to check on the two of them and take my turn giving her treats. She is still cautious with strangers and won't let just anyone pet her until they put in a couple of hours of treats and baby talk, but she will take treats from everybody, even young kids. She was playfully pawing at both of us by the time we left, so we have no doubt that with a gentle approach and lots of treats she will warm up to her new family very quickly!
When it was time to go, Will picked her up and helped her into the car. We suspect soon she'll be jumping right in once she realizes it is safe. She laid down on her new dog bed and poked her nose between the front seats. I was telling her what a good girl she was and she reached over and kissed me on the nose. It was a perfect moment.
When we arrived home it was time for Laura to meet our pack (which includes her sister Lucia)! Laura was a little nervous when three (yes, we have three dogs of our own - a bossy JRT, a hyper pit bull puppy, and a shy shepherd!) came running towards her with their tails wagging and ready to inspect the newbie, but after we got walking she settled right in with everyone. By the end of the evening she was playing with the other dogs and pawing to come sit on the couch with us. She is so happy to be in a home and can't stop smiling!
Laura LOVES Will and follows him everywhere he goes around the house. She is such a love bug! If we weren't already at our dog limit we'd be tempted to keep this special pumpkin, but we know that, unlike her very shy sister, Laura will do well in a variety of homes. She just needs someone to love!
After playtime was over and the night was winding down, Laura took up her spot on one of the giant dog beds to chew on her antlers. She really loves having a toy box, but it sure tires her out.
