Bella, Beautiful.

December 14,2005
Revised June 10, 2008

Bella Sue is my sweet, innocent dog. Her eyes tell me so much about her. "I want to please you." her eyes say. I identify with Bella. I want to please people too. I didn't change her name when we adopted her because she was "Bella". Translated it means beautiful. I couldn't have imagined her with any other name. We have so much in common, or do we? Maybe. One thing we had in common was that she needed to be rescued and I was shopping.?
When I first noticed the pet adoption kennels, I didn't see her. She was in the far, back end of her kennel hidden in the shadows. When I approached the kennel she came closer to the front where there was more light. She looked a little scared, so I cautiously put my hand up to the kennel bars to see if she was friendly. Bella crept toward my hand and started to lick it over and over again. She had been so brave. I could see that her desire for love overpowered her fear of rejection or harm. My heart opened up for her with every crazy lick. We understood each other. She was Bella, she was beautiful. She was love. She was who she was, sweet and innocent. I loved her. Right then. Right there. It was so simple. In my mind something so simple and good must be questioned. In my mind, I said, "I can't trust myself." So, I left her there and prayed. I waited. I didn't want to make a mistake. This was the first dog I would own as an adult. Why was it such an important decision? Commitment is a promise. My promise would be to take care of her, love her, nurture her and teach her. A promise which would include to take care of her even if she pooped in my closet or peed in my living room. I didn't want to disappoint her or myself. I decided to involve my family with the decision making and blizaam! Prayer answered. She was mine, slash, ours...
"It's just a dog.", some people might say, but I know she is a blessing. She is pure love. She doesn't need much and she doesn't want much. She is vulnerable. She relies on me to live. She relies on me for food, discipline and love. Mostly, she just wants us to love her. Bella's nature is one of reslience and forgiveness. Her example has changed the way I view life and relationships. Bella has taught me some great lessons. I am so grateful for her. Her silence sometimes speaks volumes. She speaks to me with her eyes, her ears, her tail, her posture. She says "Im sorry.", "It just smells so good.", "Accept me for who I am." Bella has no malice. She means no harm. She does not hold grudges. Everyday is a new day. She has forgiven me over and over. I love her and her love has been a great teacher.