Noelle's first Christmas...

...in her new life, went off without too many hitches, for her anyway. We, on the other hand, had car issue after car issue, but that's neither here nor there. Noelle was very intrigued by all the goings on. The kids, of course, woke up with a vengence and came charging down the stairs. Noelle, wasn't quite sure what was going on, but within moments found herself a place to lay in the midst of all the chaos. In the middle of chaos is Noelle's favorite place to be, that way she is sure not to miss a thing. She helped the girls open gifts, using her pointy little nose, she pawed at the loose paper, and cocked her head at the noise some of the toys produce. She made sure to thoroughly inspect each package to make sure Santa hadn't slipped in a treat she could sneak away with. In other words, she loved every moment.

She got her own stocking complete with a few bones, a toy, a new collar, and some treats. She fished each toy out on her own and gave it a complete once over before moving on to the others. Her favorite is the marrow bone of course, what dog doesn't love a good marrow bone?

The food preparation, was also of high entertainment value to her, and she made sure not to miss a moment. You never know when something tasty might hit the floor!! Than it was time for the greatest moment of all. COMPANY!!! So many hands waiting to pet her, so many legs to sniff, all sorts of tasty morsals dropping all around her! She made sure to stake early claim to the best seat in the house (in a dogs opinion). She made herself a nice area right at the french doors. That way no one could escape without a final pat. She was in direct line to the breakfast bar where everyone restocked their plates, so she was sure to get first dibs on all morsals on the floor. She was closest to the refridgerator, so as to keep tabs on all new food that was entering the picture.

By the time the day was all done she slept like a log, and I would have to say, thoroughly enjoyed every moment of her day.

less than a week to Christmas

Well, we are quickly narrowing down the countdown until Noelle's first Christmas, with us anyway. Her new mom (she'll go after the New Year), was in this weekend boarding her other dogs with us. She is very excited for Noelle to come live with them, and I told her what living with Noelle was like. She is so easy, she just fits right in. I told her of Noelle's love for the vacuum cleaner, weird dog... and that I got Noelle a stocking this year as well.

Noelle is continuing to do well, and I'm going to miss her so much when she goes. Gwen was sick over the weekend, and Noelle thought it was her job to "nurse" her back to health. Noelle spent the whole weekend laying with Gwen on the sofa. My to "sickies" convalescing together, how sweet. My husband doesn't even mind having Noelle here. She just fits in so well. My girls love her as much as she loves them. We are approaching the hard part. I've had several other fosters at my house for extended periods, and its always hard to say "goodbye" to them, even though I know in my heart it is right. I couldn't be more thrilled about the family that is adopting my girl. They are wonderful people who treat their dogs as their children. They are the family who adopted Shiloh from me, and he even has his own room! The best part is I know Noelle will be happy there. Their current two dogs are a great fit for her. Shiloh will have a buddy who is as low key as he can be, and Summer will have a new friend who likes to rock and roll. She is a good match for both of them. I love the fact that Summer and Shiloh come to see me at work every weekend for the day on Saturday, soon Noelle will be joining them. I'm so happy for her. The time sure has flown by. On Christmas Eve it will have been 1 month since Noelle had her first treatment. Only two more weeks left to go!!

3 weeks post treatment

Well, Noelle is back to being Noelle, and the constant refrain in my house is Noelle lay down or you go to your room. She wants to play horribly. She wants to be a normal dog again. She's back to chewing on chew toys. She wants to join in my guys play so bad, she has decided that the vacuum is something fun to play with. She tries to go up the stairs to tell my girls good night. She tries to do everything she's not supposed to do yet. Three more weeks to go.

I'm very glad to see her feeling well again, although, she is very definitely getting bored with the low key life she's been leading and I can see the next few weeks will be an interesting challenge to get through. I am thrilled that she's doing so well, on the other hand I feel so mean squelching her boisterous behavior like I have been. She feels good and wants to show it. Poor girl.

Doing well.

Noelle is continuing to do well. She is gaining weight, which is wonderful. She rests alot, as she should, and she thoroughly enjoys a good neck rub. Noelle is learning to enjoy being brushed. Previously it was most definitely NOT her favorite activity, but as her coat condition is improving she is learning to enjoy it more and more.

She was groomed and had her mats removed prior to her heartworm treatment, so she looks gorgeous now. Of course continued brushing is needed to maintain it, but she's getting better with that idea. She tries to be my shadow, and loves to be with me. She does really well with my youngest girls as well. Noelle is truly a joy to be around. Her spirit and confidence despite her past issues, continues to amaze me. I can't wait until she can play again, and I know she can't either. She seems rather impressed with the Christmas tree, she frequently lays near it and watches all the lights twinkle. She will make her new family very happy, she's such and easy dog to work with.

A day in the life...

Well, it is late and Noelle has been home nearly a week now. She is learning that she can't be active, although she wants to be. She is obviously feeling much better. Every time she tries to involve herself and play with the others, I send her to her room. She has figured out that she can get up for potty breaks, change position, or get a drink, but bouncing around with the others is not allowed. She has chosen her spot in my family room that allows her the best vantage point, and I've moved her bed there. She lays there and moderates all the daily activity. She gets rather vocal if the others start to play or get a bit silly. Apparently, in her mind, since she can't play the others can't either.

This is one incredibly smart girl. She has her own room set up, complete with TV for company, when we aren't home (just a few hours total a day). When our day winds down or we are in the family room, Noelle comes out with us. The vet has said that its OK for her to be with us as long as she's quiet and laying down. It only took her a few days to figure that out. She oversees everything that happens, and is as involved as she can be from her position on the floor. She doesn't miss a thing.

I can't wait until she can go out to play again, and I'm sure she can't either, but she is tolerating her "confinement" very well.

So far there are no unexpected side effects of her treatment. She is shedding a bit more than normal, but we knew she would. She also has a mild cough on occasion, but that is normal too. She is eating very well and gaining weight. She has gained nearly 7 pounds since I got her already! She loves her daily grooming and overall is doing very well.

Day #5 post treatment

Noelle is doing well. She does cough a bit at night or when she's resting. I've been warned that that will get worse before it gets better. Overall though she is doing beautifully. Its obvious she is feeling better and spunkier since I've picked her up. Keeping her settled in her crate is becoming a challenge already, so she has a small room that is set up for her to stay in when I'm busy and can't keep an eye on her movements as well, or when I run out. She does well in her room.

In the evenings, when we are all settled an the daily chaos is done; I let Noelle out of her room and out with us. She moves around a bit, and she thrives on lovings. She usually settles on her dog bed at my feet and that is where she spends the rest of her evening, and parts of her day - at my feet.

The funny thing we've found is how she behaves with food or water in her crate! She buries it! She will not eat or drink while she is crated - instead she takes her blankets and pushes them into her bowls. This of course makes a rather large mess with the water bowl, so we had to go out and get her a bottle. Goofy girl.

Her new mom, when all this is done, stopped into visit with her this weekend. Noelle walked right up to her and planted her head in her lap for lovings!