Puppy!

Yes, we finally have a puppy! We brought her home yesterday afternoon. Her "people Mommy" had a hard time letting her go. I can see why. She is a sweet, cuddly little girl. While we were talking, little Dharma fell sleep in Derek's lap. She slept in my lap on the way home in the car, once she decided she was safe and that the car was SUPPOSED to move like that.

Trusting little Dharma.

We had a hard time convincing her it was safe to go to the bathroom in the backyard. It was windy and there are two big, loud dogs on the other side of the fence. Dharma is a girl, and she is in heat. Yes, she is a little on the young side for that, but not too young. And one or two of the older females at her house were also in heat, so maybe she was influenced by that. So we have to keep her away from any male dogs.

Dharma, NOT going potty.

You saw the things we bought for her in the previous post. She was also sent home with a baby blanket, a ball, her favorite toy, some food, and lots of instructions. Aside from her actual food, she gets all kinds of healthy stuff: Fish oil, garlic, vitamins, chlorophyll. No wonder she has such a pretty coat, she eats better than we do! She also had a bath and a pedicure before she came home with us, so she looks extra shiny.

She is very curious and inquisitive. Everything must be sniffed thoroughly. She stops in her tracks to check out each bit of fuzz on the carpet. Maybe she aspires to be a customs agent? No contraband sausage would make it past her! She is a little jumpy if we move too quickly or make a strange noise (the cell phone is DEFINITELY a strange noise!) On the other hand, she is eager to run to us to play or cuddle. When it thundered today she wanted to be in Derek's arms, where she knew it was safe.

The experts say you should praise your doggie if she goes to the bathroom in an appropriate spot. She didn't go AT ALL yesterday, so when she finally did today we were more than happy to praise her like crazy. She hasn't had any accidents, either, partially because Derek was very attentive and rushed her outside. Good Derek! Good boy!

Derek, trying to determine if she is "going."

She didn't even whine at night. She is used to sleeping alone in her own little pen. She whined once or twice, but then she quieted down. As long as she could see us, she was okay. We were so happy when she went to sleep!

Yes, we are some of those crazy people who are going to let our dog get up on the couch. She liked Derek's flannel blanket.

A sleepy puppy!

We will try to teach her not to jump on people, but that is still a work in progress. You have been warned!

Dharma helps Emilie blog.