Homecoming...

Today was Miss Gracie's first day with us. She has been adjusting well, but is very nervous about her new surroundings. She has a doghouse outside, but she prefers to sleep on the mat by the back door. She stays on the back patio, pacing back and forth...just waiting to see if we'll come to the door. She has a sweet disposition, and she is already learning to trust us.

We introduced her to Tucker (our Rat Terrier) and Sinatra (our giant cat). The introductions didn't go so well. I was reading up on how to introduce a new dog to a resident dog. The recommendation was to leash the new dog, but let the resident dog have free reign. That method didn't go too well. Tucker attacked...and took hold of her tail and drew a little blood. Poor Gracie.... She didn't know what to do, and she wanted to get at him, but was more panicked than aggresive. Tucker was just plain aggresive. One of her equals about 6 of Tucker....so you'd think he would be scared. Not Tucker.

With the second introduction: a word to the wise....(since I don't seem to be amongst them)...don't introduce a cat to a big dog when he's never even seen one in his lifetime. It will not end well, and someone will get hurt - and it will likely be you. Because I love my cat, I held onto him as he was hissing and fighting to run away - claws out, ready to grab whatever they could. I avoided all of his claws but one, which ended up gouging into my finger. It hurt...really hurt....and I was concerned that stitches might be needed. However, after applying pressure and rinsing with quite a bit of cold water - a layer of band-aids are nursing my wound. Note to self: never do that again.

I'm not sure if Tucker and Gracie will ever be friends. Tucker seems too intimidated by her and immediately goes into protection mode. He is submissive to us around her, but she has to be leashed and he has to be a good distance from her to even begin to remain calm. He'll get used to her...someday. Until then, we're keeping them separated and will gradually ease them into sharing the same backyard. Poor Tucker....he's so used to it being his yard...his place to play, potty, and run. Now, a big, strange dog is there. His paradise is no more. Poor guy.


I didn't write about the special visitor we had last night. I thought I'd save it for a more general post. One of my high school Engish teachers (I've mentioned her before), Mrs. Boykin, has been in contact with me throughout everthing. I've so appreciated it. She had such an impact on me, and I feel so blessed to still have her in my life. Being a teacher myself, I see students come and go, and very few stay in touch. Over the years, I've done all I could to keep in touch with Mrs. Boykin. She is such a compassionate person, and her example is one I've always modeled my life after. She came for a visit yesterday, and I soooo enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to more visits :) I find it funny that when she calls she uses her first name, but I can't bring myself to call her anything but Mrs. Boykin. It's a habit of mine.... respect....go figure.


We received a care package from Texas today. A friend of mine delivered it. I didn't ask her the details about how it came to us and from whom. It was very touching, though. It was a care box specifically directed to our siutation - from a ministry titled Empty Arms Ministry. I could tell that the box was put together with so much thought and care. I have been awestruck by all of the people who have heard our story and have shared comments and prayers with us. It's been amazing. Just today, I saw a message from Australia! People are praying for us in S. Africa, India, Korea, Australia, CA, TX, VA....it's humbling. Thank you all. And as I've said in previous posts, I read every single comment...sometimes several times....and I find them so comforting. Thank you for leaving them. They truly brighten my day, and I look forward to them every day.

We are leaving for the mountains in the morning. I have no idea about he internet situation at the house we will be staying in, but I'm hoping there will be access somewhere. My blog is my outlet, and as nervous as I already feel about a new dog and travelling....I can foresee a meltdown which will require blogging for relief.

Thank you for your continued prayers and remembering us as you go about your day. You are all so special and are being used to help us heal.

And a big thank you to my sister, Megan, who will be watching Gracie for us while we're gone. Thanks Megan! You're the best. Tucker is being shipped up to Rocky Mount with my parents so Megan doesn't have to worry about him.....whew....that would be insane.

Have a good weekend.