Penelope's first week home~

Pretty Miss PG!

It has been a week since I brought home my little bundle of joy! I must admit the first few days were quite and adjustment for her. She..I mean 'we' had a tumultuous time with territory marking the first couple of days, however as the week progressed she has made amazing progress! She is super smart, scary smart in a way.

Penelope has had several firsts this week. First walk, first night in the crate, and first visit to the groomer, first encounter with a baby German Short Hair pointer! (he jumped on her, she didn't like it!) The first walk last a week ago was like watching her experience an entire new world. She stopped for everything. I am not certain how many times she has, if ever, been on a leash but she seems to know what to do.
I have learned there will be no power walking with Penelope. My legs are somewhat longer than hers, but she keeps up and sometimes tires easily.  She is so puppy like, I forget she is a senior citizen.
After her trip to the Groomer yesterday she was exhausted and slept a great deal when it was over. The Groomer called me after 3 hours and simply said "I think she is done with me." She looked so different that I asked, is that My dog? I can even see her feet!!

Penelope Before

Penelope After!

I have never taken a dog to a groomer before, I usually take care of my own. But, this baby girl was in need of professional help. I personally think she lost 5 pounds of hair! She is certainly going to be high maintenance indeed. I wasn't too sure about the bows and scarf...made me feel like some hoity- toity socialite with a pampered pooch! I have to confess, she does look amazing, bows and all. The pink bows didn't last long...I think we both have the same aversion to the color.

My two P's~Pen and Paul

She even posed for a picture with Dad. I think she growing on him. Until next time~

The Dog formally known as Pansy...Penelope's story.

As everyone is aware I lost my beloved Border Collie three weeks ago. Honestly, the thought of an addition to my family was, in my mind, somewhere off in the distant future. I had no idea after having a household that was a dog free zone would be so difficult. I have not had canine free household for over 25 years. It seemed oddly surreal to have less dog hair, pockets empty of dog treats and no dog dishes to be cleaned. I realize there was a ginormous hole in my life. I knew when Fly left it would be a huge adjustment, grieving for her was a daily occurrence and still is.

One day a friend from work emailed me a picture of two Corgi pups that had been posted on a the Pet Finder web site by way of Intermountain Humane Society. I have to say, it was love at first sight. You see, my friend Jacquie has three Corgi's of her own and thinks she can save them all and someday, I believe she will. Until that day the thought of adoption right this moment was out of the question. I thought it was too soon since the death of my long time friend. A few days later after numerous lunch time discussions about dogs, I went back to my desk and filled out the adoption application. I really don't know what I was going to do if it was approved. I had been through this process before and it took weeks to get a response. I heard back the next day! I hadn't even told my husband what I had done. I thought..."I have plenty of time". Surprise! Next thing I now we are headed to a charity event that is showcasing dogs available for adoption at a local PetSmart. Shelters from all over the area had dogs to show off. The rest as they say is history.

Everyone, meet Penelope. She is an almost 8 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. 

~Penelope~

The dog formally known as Pansy is now called Miss Penelope G (Garcia, you may know why I named her this! If not, it's my secret) is a rescue dog! She came from a hoarding situation and a household of over thirty-five dogs. It is my understanding most if not all were Corgis. She is big by breed standard (not that I care about that shit). She is mostly hair at this point and is considered a "fluffy". I am by no means an expert on the breed. She has been in our home for a little over 24 hours and is adjusting quite well. We have had our first bath..(smelly, dirty ruppy!), our first Vet visit and our first walk, our first night in alone in her kennel, (remember where she comes from, I think she loved it) and her first meal she didn't have to share. She also has some serious grooming issues (her butt looks like the face of an Ewok!) and some potty training issue, but we are going to take this one day at a time. She seems to be adjusting well in her new home. I feel blessed that she has entered my life and I firmly believe she crossed my path for a reason! We needed each other. 

~Stay tuned for more adventures of Penelope G! I have a feeling they will be endless~

Already Queen of the house