Caleigh

Thought I would update you on how Caleigh (aka Penny) is doing. In a word, GREAT. We love her and she is becoming part of the family already. When she came home, the first thing we noticed was that she was terrified of the stairs. She would not go up them, period. I had to carry her up. Once up, she would run back and forth in the hallway, not knowing where to go. When it was time to go down the stairs, again, she was terrified. I am happy to report Caleigh now runs up and down the stairs like a NASCAR driver. We have had no problem with any housebreaking. She goes outside and has had no accidents inside. I do think it is funny though that she really does not want to go outside. I have to go out with her then come back in the house and close the door before she can get back in.

No food problems with the other two dogs (one Golden and one Pug). They all eat simultaneously, finish and then go and lick each others’ bowls. She sleeps with us at night. I now have two Goldens and a husband in bed with me. Caleigh is funny — she likes to sleep horizontally. I have to rotate her around to a vertical position. She knows her name and responds. Smart girl, that Caleigh.

I found out she likes to chase cats. I have three. As I said, Caleigh is a smart girl. She has already learned that the one rule in the house is that no one is allowed to chase the cats. Two of the cats, Millie and Smokey Joe, are already off her radar. Millie ignores Caleigh and Caleigh ignores Millie. Smokey Joe has fallen in love with Caleigh and rubs against her and gives her kisses to the point that he becomes annoying and Caleigh moves. However, my third cat, Pumpkin Pie, seems to be a puzzle to Caleigh. She is very curious and is always nudging Pumpkin and sometimes she goes into retriever stance. She stands still and raises a paw. As each day goes by, it gets better. Last night, Pumpkin jumped on the bed for his usual goodnight tummy rub and Caleigh paid no attention. We are making progress……

Caleigh is beginning to follow me around the house. I love this. It is what Murphy did. Murphy, my Golden, died on April 24. I am still not over his death. Caleigh has made my journey through grief bearable. Each day that I am with Caleigh is another day I fall more in love.

I took Caleigh to see Dr. Lynch at Warm Springs Animal Hospital on June 3. Her teeth do indeed need cleaning and Dr. Lynch feels she may need to have a couple extracted. Her teeth cleaning appointment is on June 17 (I decided to have Dr. Lynch do it). He will take x-rays. Also, Caleigh had a slight cough. Dr. Lynch prescribed a few days of antibiotics and now the cough is gone. Caleigh will be going to the groomer on June 28. After her grooming, I will send you some photos.

I cannot tell you how glad I am that I contacted you. Losing Murphy was difficult and our hearts and house were sad and empty. Caleigh is changing all of that and I once again feel that we are complete. The house is becoming joyful and full of life and our sadness is going away. I will be in your debt always for bringing Caleigh to me.