The continuing saga of my experience adopting Greta, my elderly City of Sacramento Animal shelter dog. This page is to continue to document my path, so I can see how far we actually progress together on this journey.

Friday June 16th
Saturday June 17th
Sunday June 18th

Friday, June 9th - Today is a busy day for all of us without four legs. It was the beginning of a very social weekend. My niece Kristen graduated from 6th grade. I was honestly to busy to walk the dogs. I felt bad, but sometimes those days happen. They kept looking at me in anticipation. I was able to make an appointment with Del Paso groomers for next Saturday. They have always been very kind and gentle with my dogs and with full disclosure, I expect them to be the same with Greta. I usually take my dogs to Launder Dog to wash them myself, but she has so many knots on her underside, it really needs a professional's touch. I was telling Jennifer my Greta story and she said, "just imagine how long it would take you to adjust to someone moving into your house". Sage advice

Saturday, June 10th - We went on a long walk this morning. Sierra and Greta are such a good looking pair of dogs, cars stopped and slowed down for a better look. At the pound, I thought Greta was a much more petite size to Sierra. Now that they are together, she is not much smaller than him. Poor Max has to remind me of the grooming appointment. I keep wanting to help her get rid of her winter coat. I see knots in her underside that I can't help but think they are making her stride difficult. The kitty is expressing interest in the dog. She is slowly testing Greta by sitting within her field of vision, then moving closer. I've quit trying to teach Greta everything. Right now we are just concentrating on sitting. This is a tough one. The good news is hopefully I'll have a long time to work with her on this.

Sunday, June 11th - Guest writer: Tambra Gutschall longtime honorable aunt to all of my animals. I've been a friend of Jeanie for many years and have known her animals intimately. I used to stay with them whenever she travelled. Then I moved away. This is my first visit since Rocky left us. I loved that little "Bug" as I called him, and Sierra has a history of being a bit assertive with me, so I was a bit nervous about how Sierra would greet me this time. Then when I walked in the door today, I was greeted by a happy and friendly Sierra. Behind him was this beautiful and gentle spirit of a dog introduced to me as Greta. I have observed a calmer Sierra who is laying on the floor next to me right now...a first. Greta has come to me several times to simply check me out. She is very gentle although she still seems to be trying to figure out her place in the pack. I think she is a wonderful addition to this home, and will blend in beautifully. She has a soothing look of peace when she sleeps. Update: this evening Greta and Mrs. Norris (the cat) touched noses. After Greta tracked the cat around the back yard they finally contacted each other this evening in the house. It was nothing dramatic (exept to a concerned owner).

Monday, June 12th - Dear Greta, I can see you want to play, but I'm just not sure how to play with you. You are running around in the back yard and you've got your back end in the air. You are afraid of tennis balls and soccer balls. I wish I could figure it out. I guess I must just be happy enough that you are happy and feel comfortable knowing that we will both figure it out one day.

Tuesday, June 13th - What a lovely morning walk. Sierra enjoyed the run across the school grassy area. Greta walks at a quick trot, but dosen't run. I came home from work and Greta and Sierra were running around the yard together. They were almost playing. It was so nice to see. Max and I took them for a walk in the evening and took a few pictures.

Wednesday, June 14th - Another busy day. The dogs were happy when I finally came home and they were able to go on their walk. I'm still not having any luck teaching Greta how to sit. I'm trying to force the issue on corners when we cross the street, but it is not sinking in.

Thursday, June 15th - Happy Anniversary Greta! It's been two weeks since you've joined our family. I think you are starting to get comfortable here. I'm so happy to have you here. I'm looking forward to when you've come to decide that you love it here.

Friday, June 16th - Our first super hot day. I figured I'd take you for a walk today, knowing that this was going to be a very busy weekend. I thought the college was the coolest place I could think of to walk, under the trees. Poor girl, you are not fond of hot weather. You are also not fond of the car. The tail gate of the wagon scared you so much, you started running down the street. Thank goodness it was hot and you gave up.

Saturday, June 17th - Greta has a grooming appointment! 8:00 a.m. and you have an appointment to get some of these knots removed from your coat. You were such a good girl at the groomer and you looked so much better when you came back. While you were away, we took down your dog cage. It's time for you to be forced to deal with being a family member. I figured out how to make you wag your tail. You like it when I giggle when I scratch your butt. You jump around and wag your tail. It is the first time I've seen you wag your tail since you moved here.

Sunday, June 18th - Today is the day I start walking you to the bedroom at bedtime. I want you to stay beside me for at least 15 minutes every night so that you learn to be comfortable here also. Hopefully, one day, this will be your normal sleeping spot.

Monday, June 19th - What a happy girl. I love that I can make you wag your tail. I saw you get possessive when Sierra started eating out of your new dog dish. You paced back and forth. You got him back by stealing his bone! I'm starting to see some personality.