I Tried for two days to make the hour drive to take Stella to her foster moms home. The bad weather wasn’t stopping me today! I knew Jennifer was excited to meet Stella and I really needed to get my home back in some order….

I was so thankful that Jennifer offered to take Stella in, but it wasn’t a done deal yet.  Jennifer lives with three dogs and two cats. We needed to make sure that this was a good fit for Jennifer’s pack and for Stella too. With Stella being a stray dog, right out the back door of an Animal Control, we had no information of her history. The proper introductions were imperative.

Stella took a while to relax during the car ride. (I do not think she has been on many car rides). Right about the time she was sprawled out and sleeping in the back seat, we arrived. Instantly Stella’s ears went tall and alert. She knew something was going on…..

Always introduce new dogs to your home in neutral territory before entering the home. And today the temperature was hanging around 7 degrees, not including the wind chill!  The weather didn’t seem to bother Stella. We entered the back yard first and alone so Stella could run and smell. Her long needle nose was going a mile a minute. She didn’t even notice when Jennifer came out! Different story when Jennifer brought out her first dog…

Out came a black lab, who’s muzzle was so white, it looked like Santa’s beard. Shelby, a 13 year old sweet heart. Stella ran right up, they sniffed nose to nose, butt to butt. The perfect greeting. Shelby gave a  “ruff ruff” and Stella took off around the yard and back. They did that ‘play’ routine for a good few laps. Jennifer’s next dog, who was a mirror image of Shelby, came out next. His beard just as white, but back legs so wobbly that Jen had to help carry him back inside! Lucky wasn’t as playful as Shelby and Stella knew this. It was amazing to see the grace and ease Stella exhibited around them. And then, Stella got what she was waiting for……..Molly came out!

Molly, the cutest darn 1 year old puppy, instantly ran toward Stella. The meet and greet butt sniff was rushed as the dog bow set off a rush of chase around the yard! (See video)  Molly with her cute clumsy puppy run and Stella with her low elegant stride, made such a pair. At one point Molly made a quick change in direction and Stella effortlessly glided right over Molly! (Not on video-darn it)

All were fast cold friends and we moved inside quickly. It was such a pleasant and comforting afternoon. I knew this was the perfect fit. Jennifer has her work cut out for her. Stella hasn’t had much house experience (manners), she is not fully potty trained, and she has some separation anxiety……

Lucky for Jennifer, Stella is very smart and she wants to learn and please.

Lucky for Stiggy’s Dog to have Jennifer….