In your opinion, is there a better way for me to handle this Puppy?
Yes. Go back and re-read the posts to you in mid-Sept. by Coach, Stuck, Thinker and others. In there you will find your answer.
If ongoing contact is a dealbreaker, than you should gather your own independent intel. Asking her is of no use, because she will only lie to you if she is. If it's not a dealbreaker, then there's no need to verify.
