NEXT UP: A black & white Space Invaders sweater. I had actually finished it already, but because I was wingin’ it as I went, I misjudged the sizing at it was a bit tight for Bella’s shape. And by “tight”, when I tried to squeeze her shoulder and front legs into it, she exhaled like a wheezy bagpipe.

The short version of my problem with them is that they wouldn’t let me bring my dog in the store or even let me carry her because they are now considered a “cafe”. Wow. Apparently, a coffee maker you bought in Wal-Mart, tucked in the corner of your shop makes you a cafe. My beef with them is that not only did no one stop me when I first walked into the store and peruse for a good 3-4 minutes (it’s not a big shop, by any means), there was also no indication anywhere on their door or front window that pets are not allowed, you know, like how other REAL businesses have them up. Also, there’s no indication on their web site either, which would’ve been nice, but granted, that’s not something you’d normally see on a website anyway.

Living in the downtown core now, finding yarn places is a bit of a bitch and without a car, it’s even more of a hassle. And without a Metropass, wasting round-trip cash (and time!) when you’re already low on funds just adds more fuel to the fire. I purposely didn’t go to The Knit Cafe (which is technically a shorter streetcar ride) because I know pets are not allowed in any store that has food. Had I known pets weren’t allowed in The Purple Purl, I would’ve left Bella at home, no hesitation, no big whoop. I only brought her because I thought she’d enjoy an outing. I could’ve left her outside for a few minutes, but it had also rained during the day and it was fairly gross and chilly to leave her there. And frankly, I would’ve done it, regardless of Bella’s whimpering, but I chose not to, just to spite them.

I was planning to spend a good chunk of money on pricier wool yarns because I got a customer request for a specific kind of doggie sweater, but I’m taking my business elsewhere.

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. :)