A Day of Firsts for Abby

It sure has been an interesting couple of days in downtown Fredericton! Sunday, we took a little car ride so we could slowly introduce Abby to all the good things that a car ride can entail. We visited canine friends Jack, Stella and Daisy and human cousins Benjamin and Elizabeth, Abby is very good with both doggies and children. Abby got a new chew toy from Jack, Stella and Daisy and played in the snow with Elizabeth, trying hard to take a bite of the crazy carpet slider. Nana Hoyt stopped in after Church to see Abby and she came with treats in her pocket, a big hit right away. Lots of the new Aunties called or stopped by to check on Abby. It was another magical day!

Monday morning was full of firsts. Abby went to her first visit to the Douglas Animal Hospital and we were so pleased with our visit. Dr. Barry did a thorough exam (ran some test on you know what!)and made the comment that it was obvious Abby had received excellent care from her foster home. Abby weighed in at 10.3kgs (23lbs). The Vet commented on how social and relaxed she appeared, particularly given what she has been through the last few days. He also noted that her "cat paws", markings, ears and body shape could indicate some Boxer, Beagle, Pointer?? We mentioned that given her place of birth, she could have some Catahoula Leopard dog and after some checking on that breed, we concluded she may have some of that mix too (different coloured eyes and ear shape). Who cares what the mix is, she is a good girl and the best Abby dog. Another first happened on the way home from the Vet, we stopped at Tim Horton's drive thru for some "timbits", you can't get more Canadian than that, eh? Yet another first, we put her in her nice new kennel and left the house for about an hour so she could get use to the routine before we have to return to work on Wednesday. She did very well with this test and was sound asleep when we returned.

Abby is not really liking the snow or should we say not liking the cold weather (-17C this AM), although house training seems to be easier, out to pee a little bone treat and right back inside....LOL! She is getting more comfortable on the leash so she will be going out for a nice walk this afternoon. Today, she discovered how to maneuver stairs much to the dismay of the cats! Going upstairs was their only safe haven and now.......it is the mad dash under the bed! Abby has a new favourite spot in the house...on the leather chair looking out the patio window. She discovered how to get herself up on the nice chair, turn around, lay down in the blanket and seems to be saying "please find yourself a new place because this is now mine". All in all she is settling in better than we ever could have imagined, she loves being held, loves being in the same room as we are, loves a belly rub and loves her toys. She plays hard and sleeps hard like all puppies. Until next time..