Bella's Gotcha Day

This blog is now in the possession of ME - Bella!  I've waited and waited and waited and waited and waited for Mom or Emma to post about my Gotcha Day.  Finally, only a few days late Mom says come on Bella let's do a post about you.  Finally!  I'm still waiting on my Gotcha Day cake........and gifts......  The good news is Mom and Dad says April is Bella month and I'm supper excited about that because we went on tons of walks and fun places for Emma month in March (her birthday) so I can't wait to see what I get.

April  is  very, very, very special to me.  That's when I got a Mom, Dad, and sister.  Eight years ago Mom and  Dad gave me my forever home.  They had only been doggie parents for 5 months and Emma was already 6 years old so a puppy was a new and wonderful adventure.

Would you like to see some baby pictures?

Don't laugh!   I was a naked little puppy with horrible itchies for a few months.  I came from a dirty, loud, scary place overflowing with doggies.  Had I been old enough to "look" like any of the breeds they don't adopt out I would have been killed.  Can you believe it???  There are places that will kill a doggie just because it might look like a certain "breed".  What's looks got to do with it?  A look doesn't determine a personality.  Every life form should be given a chance based on it's individuality.  Had I stayed at that scary place I most likely would not have received the medical attention I so desperately needed.  I had teeny tiny microscopic bugs called  mites.  I had to have these really yucky dips to kill the nasty mites and I also had to take Prednisone pills.  The vet we went to at that time which is NOT the vet we really love and have gone to for many many years now did not tell us one of the side effects for the Prednisone is frequent urination.    Luckily my Dad was home with me every day and he was very consistent and patient and took me out to potty many times.  A very long time later for some reason Mom and Dad was reading about Prednisone and found out it causes frequent urination and they had a light bulb moment that made them go "Oh, that's why poor Bella had difficulty with the potty training when she was a puppy".

The mange went away and never returned, but shortly after that I developed a high grade ear infection in both ears. That too was successfully treated.  I also have multiple food and environmental allergies that was discovered awhile after that and those are present still today.  I do not like having food allergies because I don't always get to try all the yummy foods my sisters and humans eat. Sometimes that makes me sad because I really love food and I love to work and perform for food.  Offer me a yummy treat and I will go through my entire bag of tricks offering you every behavior I know trying to earn that yummy treat.

Don't worry because I have grown into a very happy and healthy 8 year old pup that loves life and play!!!!!!

Enough chatter...on to more puppy pictures. 

Dad's fondest memory is my little ears nestled all cute upon my tiny head.  He wishes they would have stayed up there just like the photo above, but I'll let you in on a secret.  Even though I grew into my ears I'm still Dad's favorite.   Shhh, don't tell the others ;)

Can anyone guess what Dad wanted to name me?

I really don't think I've changed much.  I've still got those gorgeous brown eyes, cute wrinkly forehead, goofy grin and happy, playful, fun loving zest for life.

Within my first year I went to puppy school, walked in a parade,  had a professional photo taken, went on a date with a cute boyfriend, and got lots and lots of love and attention.

We have kicked off Bella month with increased walks.  We are all very happy about that because everyone can use a little extra exercise.  We've been gallivanting around all over in town and out of town in search of different walking scenery.

One day Mom skipped work and we had a Dog Day.  We spent the day outside soaking up the sunshine and playing.  It was so marvelous.  I wish Mom could stay home with us every day.  I could give her a paycheck of kisses.  Surely that's worth more than paper, right?

Here's how we spent our Dog Day.

 Sweet Pea likes to roll and roll and roll.

Emma likes to soak up the sunshine.  Mom puts down blankies for us to help keep the bugs off us.  As you can see Emma had a different idea.

I love to play sling ball.

 I'm also happy to pose for photos.  I know as soon as Mom's done she'll throw the ball :)

This is turning into a great Bella month.  I can't wait to see what's next.  Stay tuned.

Bella