Regular readers know we brought home a rescue dog yesterday. She has had a great day today and is adjusting much faster than we had expected, so much so that she is obviously a great fit in our household and we’ve already told the rescue folks we’d like to finalize the adoption during the week.

She came to us as Teya, but today, we stated calling her Bonnie, both because the name seems to suit her and because her new best buddy is Clyde from up the street, and they are clearly going to be sidekicks.

Bonnie is setting into the house very well. She is shy of new people but doesn’t seem to be shy of new dogs. This morning, she had a short leash walk. I would say she was interested in her surroundings but still somewhat scared of the big world. Since then she’s had 2 longer walks with Clyde and his human, Sharon, and did very well. Her on-leash skills aren’t great but they are not that bad either, considering she has had only a bit of practice. We’re using 2 leashesThe last walk took us into Sam Smith Park. Bonnie really enjoyed all the smells in the park and was startled by a flock of ducks taking flight. She seems to enjoy the snow. On the way back, she initiated play with Clyde. Her confidence has already grown a great deal, even from this morning, and we think as we establish our routines with her, that will continue.

Bonnie doesn’t like leaving the house yet. Maybe she is afraid of more change? Once outside though, she relaxes and does well. She was overwhelmed by our back yard yesterday but today let Sheila know she needed to go out and happily went out to take care of business in the yard while I was out grocery shopping. She’s a smart dog and a sweetie-pie and she’s making strides fast.

Those who know us know we have a few cats at home. One of our cats, Phyllis (AKA Bunny AKA Miss Canada) has been actively making friends and I believe she spent last night sleeping in box a few feet away from Bonnie. All the cats have checked out the new dog except Bugs, who has stayed away. That’s not too surprising as she wasn’t impressed with the Newfs either. I think they will all be able to coexist well together. We are very lucky to have found a dog who seems pretty much somewhere between indifferent and friendly toward cats.

The rescue group, Just Paws is super-professional. Everyone we’ve talked to from this organization has been just great. They ask a lot of questions and that’s a good thing for everyone, plus they are very organized and communicative. We exchanged several texts today as Bonnie began the process of settling in, and it’s great to know they are there to support us. As well, the couple who fostered her did a great job preparing her for a new home. We feel very fortunate and very well supported.