Hi all! Shelby here… But you already knew this! Can you believe it?! It has been four months, 16 weeks since I first arrived to my forever home. Sometimes I scratch myself (no not because of fleas!) and wonder if this could all be real. Never could I have imagined feeling so loved and happy.
The last four months have taught me a lot about being safe, being loved and learning that I am a special part of my pack of my two puppy brothers, my Mom and Dad, and of all things a cat! We are still learning about being a “new family” without Porsche. But since she left for the Rainbow Bridge, the boys have become closer to me. They watch over me and at night I curl up with them to sleep. Lincoln has started playing with me and Tesla, well Tesla may never play with me. But he always stands guard near me. I see him as my protector puppy. I have come to really love my brothers.
But of all the amazing things about my new family, who would have believed that I would ever like cats, much less love them – but I love my sister, Miss Bentley. She is now the oldest member of the pack and she does reign over her “kingdom”. She is really a special girl. She is an inside cat, but she does go out in the backyard with us other kids. When she was very young, at the recommendation of her doctor, Mom and Dad had her front claws removed to protect our eyes. The eyes of ShihTzu puppies are very close to the surface and can be easily damaged. But Mom explained to me the special technique that was used and how this is much more humane and not at all like the old, awful way. Instead of surgery, they use a laser that takes the nail off without removing any bone. It cost a little more money, but Mom said it was definitely worth it to ensure she wasn’t hurt from the surgery and that we pups would be safe. It is funny to feel her soft little front paw tap my face when she wants my attention. She does the same thing to Mom, but usually when she is hungry, which is seemingly all the time! Miss Bentley may eat more than we do – and like us – she loves treats!
Since I last shared my musings (isn’t this a funny word Mom is using), I have been spending more and more time with my Dad. I have started riding in the car with him on his errands and whenever he sits in his chair I am always the first one to be with him. It has become my favorite place and Mom seems to be okay with the slow progress on the remodel, because Dad just can’t get up when I am sitting in his lap. My Dad is a softie when it comes to us puppies and of course we know this!
This week is definitely a special week in our family. More to come!
Tales of Shelby the ShihTzu 