The adjustment stage...

When I brought Stella home, I was in for a rude awakening. I understood I would be sharing my living space with her, but I didn't realize how increasingly small my apartment became with the two of us. I was used to living alone, taking a bath alone (without a pair of brown creeper eyes watching me) and sleeping alone.

Suddenly, my mindless thoughts at home became thoughts where I subconsciously was aware of where Stella was located at EVERY WAKING MOMENT. Her water bowl was always on my mind. Is it dinner time for her yet? How many treats has she had today?

I must admit that the first night was really rough. I found myself staring at her like she was a foreign species. Did she need something? Was she scared? Was she about to pee? Did she like me? Can I be a dog mom? Will I fail? You name it, I thought it. Thankfully, I had a good support system. Once again, Nikki to the rescue. Jennifer gave me advice as well as the other contacts within the organization. Who would have thought Stella would bring so many amazing humans into my life?

My younger brother called to check on me that night. He asked what I was doing and I even told him that I was staring at the dog. She was "sleeping" on the couch but her eyes were open. I told him all of my paranoid thoughts and he told me to stop staring at her and go about my business. She would adjust. He was right and so were the others.

The first weekend I brought Stella home, I took her to my older brother's house as a test. He has two cats and three dogs. He also has an adorable two year old son! It was very important to me that my dog like kids, and do well with other animals. Stella did escape his fence (long story that I am sure my brother would love to tell since it involves me yelling "STELLLAAAAAA") but I got her back. She was a little testy with the dogs but my brother encouraged me and told me she was doing well. Did she pass the test for liking kids? What do you think?

Stella and I are currently on Week 4 together and we continue to learn and grow. I can't wait to share more stories and life lessons. Thanks for reading about our journey.