Just last Thursday, we finalized our adoption of 2-yr-old “Bella”, a sweet little chihuahua mix. We had tried to find a suitable small dog at the Toronto Humane Society, but to no success. Frankly, each time we visited, the more and more disappointed I became with the way they run things there. But that’s another story.

This story is about Bella and the great ladies who are part of the Canadian Chihuahua Rescue & Transport (Thanks Terry, Joy and Patricia!). They made the whole process effortless and a great pleasure to experience. And since bringing her home last Thursday, Bella has been nothing but an amazingly charming and sweet addition to our home.

Today, on day 5, with an anxious heart, I decided to try leaving her home alone for the first time today, just long enough to go down the street to get some much-needed groceries. Out of uncertainty (and curiosity), I set up my MacBook Pro to take some time-lapsed video while I was away. After about an hour of pretending I wasn’t going anywhere, I finally made it out the door. Very slowly and wrought with guilt. I heard her whimpering behind the door and was only able to stay there in the hall for a few seconds, before I bit the bullet and headed to the stairwell. As I spiraled down to the street exit, I couldn’t believe how sad it made me feel to leave her. But it’s something that we’re going to have to get her used to and the sooner, the better… for all of us.

When I got home about a half-hour later, I carefully opened the door, half-expecting to see her right by the door, but there she was, all tucked away in her little cubby bed. She did just great! I watched the video and was glad to see she only waited by the door for about 3 minutes, roamed around the apartment for a little while, and finally nestled into her comfy, cozy bed a few minutes later.

It hasn’t been a full week yet, but I’m already madly in love with her. :)