November 15, 2017

I woke this morning all toasty warm. It was the best feeling ever and reminded me of when I was just a little puppy with my littermates, when I was still young and innocent. I didn’t see my Mom, she was already in the “rain closet” because I could hear the rain falling or maybe it was the rain from outside, the noise coming through the open window. I felt a little bewildered not seeing Mom, but I could hear my Dad snoring close by and I soon realized I was very safe as I was snuggled close with my older, but the youngest of my brothers, Lincoln. My other brother, Tesla and my cat sister, Miss Bentley, also were close by.

Being born and spending the first months of my life in a puppy mill was very scary and then they sent me to a couple who didn’t want to keep me. I was hurt and I was scared. Maybe more scared than when I was in the puppy mill. Thankfully, a wonderful woman rescued me from the Kill Shelter and I became her foster puppy for many months. Mom has told me how much my foster mom loved me (and still does) and how she helped choose my new Mom and Dad and my new home. I will be forever grateful for my foster mom and the love she gave me until I came to my new forever home. I don’t like to think of what might have happened had this wonderful woman not saved me.

I don’t share this with Mom, but sometimes I have puppy nightmares of those nights from my past. But, I think Mom knows when I am scared and she hears me whimpering in my sleep. She must stay awake all the time, as she always seems to be there to reach out to soothe me, rubbing my back and whispering to me and I settle. I’m sleeping and don’t see Mom do this, but I feel the comfort coming over me and I know she is close by. Sometimes, I see them, Mom and Dad, doing the same with Porsche when she is having a coughing spell or whimpering in her sleep. I am pretty sure that is why Porsche sleeps behind Dad’s pillow so she is within hand’s reach during the night. She is such a brave sister and I realize that I too, can be a brave puppy.

Yes, I am one blessed puppy. I am surrounded by those who love me and every day I experience unconditional love (even when I forget my potty training!) Who would have thought a scared little puppy could ever feel this special. My life is good and being next to Lincoln this morning reminded me how I am now safe, protected and yes, loved.

Good night all.. Sleep well. Know you too are loved.

November 14, 2017

Hey Dad! Look at me! I’m helping Mom grade papers! Well I’m actually just keeping her company and her ankles warm.

November 12, 2017

Mom? Is this Heaven?
“No Honey. This is your new forever home in Beaverton.”

As I start my third week in my new home and our third Sunday together as a family, I am reflecting on how blessed my new life is. I never realized one, sometimes silly puppy, could be this loved. I’m still learning about my siblings and settling in, and my older brother, Tesla, is still sometimes a little grouchy with me, but I also know at night when it is quiet that he comes to sleep next to me to make sure I am safe. I love my new family.

I wake up every morning excited to see my two parents and typically see my Mom checking out her brood! I immediately start wagging my tail and she always welcomes me up to lie on her chest, where I nuzzle her neck and give her kisses while she tells me she loves me. Then it’s Dad’s turn. He is usually still sleeping, so I have to wake him up with kisses or pulling on his funny little whiskers. I think he is going to look like Lincoln with his white goatee. As I do this, I realize the same ritual of love is happening with my siblings, each having their turn with Mom and then Dad. I guess we are really all very loved.

We are in the midst of remodeling our home and I have found the best perch for watching the birds and the squirrels. Dad really doesn’t want me to catch them. But I can stand on the pillows and watch them in the trees of our back yard! By the windows is really a much better place for our bed than before, especially for me and Miss Bentley! Thanks Dad!!

Dad just got out of the glass enclosure where it’s raining! Silly to stand in the rain like that, but maybe I can join him to see what it’s like. But I’ve come to learn that once Dad is out of the “rain” it means breakfast and a walk, and a walk means – squirrels! WooHoo!!

Happy Sunday to all. My Mom tells me that people like to hear stories of “Shelby the ShihTzu”. I hope they bring you a smile and make your day a little brighter. I know I love telling you about my new wonderful life with my new family.

November 11, 2017

Good morning! Happy Saturday! Mom’s up, so, so am I!! (That is until Mom heads out, then we all go back to sleep with Dad!) Have a great day all!

November 10, 2017

Wow! Today marks two weeks with my new Forever Family! I am still learning all the things about being in a new family, but I am settling in well and actually establishing my presence! I am often the first to come when Mom says treats and I am definitely the first to come when Dad is making our dinner!

It has been a busy and at times challenging week. On Saturday I met my new doctor and I love her!! She was so wonderful and she gave me a clean bill of health other than a little infection in my ears. Dad puts these funny little drops in my ears and then he massages them, which feels so good.

Wednesday was scary for me. My big brother, but the baby of the boys, became really sick. Mom and Dad rushed him to the Animal Hospital and the four of us other kids stayed home. We were all really worried until he came back. We stayed very close to him the rest of the night. But even being scared I also saw how much Mom and Dad love us and how if I ever become sick how much they would be worried about me..

My Dad is so funny! Thursday he dared me to catch a squirrel! And guess what – I did! But he wouldn’t let me keep him! Dad definitely learned how fast I am! I love my Dad (and of course my Mom). We stay in bed after Mom goes to work and he is so warm and tender to cuddle with.. And, I even learned about giving kisses! Mom and Dad are so funny, they love when us puppies give them kisses! Silly parents.. Then we get up and we all go for a walk around the neighborhood. I am still learning to walk on my leash, and I heard Mom and Dad talking and I will be starting Puppy School very soon.

I am definitely one very blessed and loved puppy… Now I wonder what is in store for next week! I hear in two weeks we will be going to the beach and seeing the ocean! WOW!! I can hardly wait!

November 10, 2017

Mom’s Home!!
But as soon as Miss Bentley saw the camera she was gone!!
Good job Dad capturing all four of us pups looking at you!!

November 8, 2017

Us pups are hanging close to the “baby” brother. He had to go to MurrayHill today, because he wasn’t feeling very well. They took lab work and ran some tests. He is still pretty sedated, but we are staying close and he is sleeping comfortably. They say pups don’t have feelings. Not true, we are all worried.

November 7, 2017

Thankful for a home filled with sleeping babies. Well not always sleeping, but sleeping here and snuggled together..

November 6, 2017

One step at a time! I love sleeping next to my big brother Tesla!

November 5, 2017

MOM! Wow!!

Look at the birds and squirrels in the backyard! I love having the bed close to the window so I can watch them from the pillows. But why are those big black birds, the crows, taunting me from the Cherry tree this morning! Don’t they know I will be outside soon and will catch them!!