The First Day of Spring Brings Bella!

"My goal in life
is to be as good a person
my dog aleady thinks I am."

 ~Author Unknown


 

My daugher has a Golden Retriever who was rescued  after the tornado in Alabama a few years back.  Hannah truly is a Golden girl mix.  I keep her when asked, visit her in Nashville and she truly has a piece of my heart.  Bringing this to mind, I realized I wanted a dog of my own.  Having a visiting dog just wasn't enough.

 

So for months I searched for my dog mate.  After encouraging words from my daughter, sisters of my heart, and therapist, I visited  the Sangamon County Animal Control Center.  When I pulled in front of the building, I noticed a rather tall woman gracefully walking with a dog.  "I want one of those," my heavy heart said.

 

Once inside, I viewed rows of poor dogs in cages.  Their barks were of desperation and fear.  I felt them draining all of my energy, and I began to get overwhelmed.  Stepping into the hallway, a very nice volunteer asked if she could help.  I explained to her about my search for a companion who would be  calm and well mannered.  Most of the dogs I viewed had been marked HIGH ENERGY which is exactly what I didn't need.  I had no interest in a small dog, either.

 

This kind women said, "I think I know a dog you would like, but she is outside walking.  Let's go see her!"  As one might have guessed, there was the tall woman still walking this dog I had seen upon arrival.  She, too, was a volunteer, and Linda changed my life forever!

 

Bellas is a Red Bone Coon Hound which is a breed I know nothing about.  Luckily, Linda is affectionately referred to as 'the hound specialist' by her fellow volunteers.  She is a walking encyclopedia and hands on  experience with this particular breed.  She was kind enough to spend a few hours with me as I slowly began to bond with Bella.   This very strong girl is five years old with brown eyes that are deep pools of emotion.

 

Linda and I brought Bella back inside where we joined with other volunteers and the gentleman who actually picked Bella up.  Again, these very kind and friendly people at the Sangamon County Animal Control played with her, walked her, weighed her, cat-tested her, and she did not display any aggression or hyper activity.

 

By following the tips for transition from the volunteers, Bella has made a remarkable adjustment.  She will sit if she knows there is a treat involveed, doesn't jump up, house broken, and well mannered.  She needs to learn not to pull on her leash, but otherwise she is a good girl.  She has an extremely deep vibrational bark, which has only been heard three times ... each when someone arrived at our door. She sleeps all night long and doesn't make any demands in the morn. I love that she waits for me to fix coffee before she attends to morning business outside.    She rides well in the car, so as desired, I take her with me wherever I go.

 

Bella is blending into our home.  She is filling a yearning of mine that has been long time ignored.  She has already gifted me with the new friendship of Linda, the volunteer extraordinare!  Bella has provided both Linda and myself with a bond to establish a friendship.  Spring has arrived bringing sweet Bella with her!