well, she's here! i felt really bad as the owner cried while saying goodbye but she said she really thought it was for the best.
shelby is understandably a little unimpressed and confused. i have her in the "nursery" by herself tonight. i set up her litterbox and food from her old home. as soon as i opened the can all shyness was over. but after that she of course is a bit undecided, actually better than i expected since i would imagine it'd be quite scary. i laid down and read beside her...then talked to her so she'd get used to my voice. she's already had some moments where she came to me and sat beside me but didn't stay long and tolerated some petting as well. but then batted a paw as if to say "okay, lady, that's enough, i've had a hard night" so of course i backed off and went back to reading. also absentmindedly pet her when her back was facing me and she hissed (oops!)..but then i got some good smells and a little bit of stares and interest so i think that's a really good start for only being here a few hours..lots of potential this little one has (actually little might not be the right term, she's 14 lbs...LOL!).
anyway, just thought i'd update you on the progress..i'm thinking of sleeping in there with her tonight just so she'd get used to me being around..not sure what the OH would think of that though. i foresee some eye rolling on that end