Caring for Bella

     Bella is my almost 5 year old pibutll/lab mix cuddle buddy. She is gorgeous with eyeliner-like marking and a beauty mark on her cheek. Bella is tan/yellow and very muscular. She has a deep voice and only uses it to protect her yard from other animals. She loves humans. She is very laid back and relaxed at home, but gets worked up around other animals. She loves to sleep with Caleb during the night. She loves to be near me during the day, wherever that may be. She loves for me to rub her and pet her. She will even lay her face on my face when we are on the couch together, the closest she can possibly get to me.
      Bella has been in our family for about 3 years now. She was adopted from a National Guardsman who lives not too far away, and was being deployed. His family could not keep her for him while he was gone, as they would have to leave her home alone most of the day because they worked long shifts. I first saw Bella and her previous keeper on a video clip that was being shared on Facebook from the local news. She sat on the set of the news so perfectly still next to her previous keeper. I knew from that moment that I had to try to meet them. I contacted them through the number provider on the video, and arranged for them to visit my home. I met her previous owner and his girlfriend, along with the beautiful Bella. I was so happy to meet her! She came to me right away! She was friendly! I did not know she was a pitbull mix until then. I don't know much about dogs, but I have heard stories about pitbulls getting a bad rap. Caleb was with me during our first meeting, and she reacted pleasantly to him. I wanted to know how I could keep her. There was a process her previous owner was going through to find the best family to place her with. I was briefly saddened that I might not get to keep her.
     I gave no thought prior to watching the video about adopting a pet. My finances were not such that I planned on making any commitments. My heart called for Bella once I saw the video though. I knew I could use a therapy dog to help ease my depression and loneliness. At the time, it was only Caleb and me at the house. He would be gone all day at school, and I would be home alone wallowing in depression.
     After some weeks of me calling every other day to find out how Bella was doing, I was given the clear! I would be Bella's new keeper! There was going to be an adoption charge from a company who was going to do the vetting, but because her previous keeper didn't use them for us, there was no charge to adopt. He would transfer her ownership and her all her belongings to me for free! I couldn't believe I was getting a dog! I was ecstatic!
     I made arrangements to have a fence put up in the back yard, so she wouldn't need a leash to be outside and do her business, or play. I kept in touch with her previous owner as I knew he loved her, and would miss her during deployment. I don't remember much about her first weeks in my house. She moved in and relaxed rather quickly. I was almost always home, so she always had me around, and didn't spend much time in her crate.
     Apparently, her previous owner saved Bella from being put down by 30 minutes! She was a rescue! How could anyone in their right mind put down such a loving and beautiful creature? I couldn't believe it when I heard it.
     Caleb will play tug of war with her, but surprisingly she's not much of catch ball type of girl. We get her treats all the time. She loves pig and cow ears. She gets regular veterinary care, and has been kept up with all her medications for heartworm, fleas and ticks, and vaccinations. She doesn't like to go into the bathtub to be washed. She doesn't like being wet. She will lay down, and I will pick her 65lbs. self up and carry her to the tub to washed. I was taking her to a groomer to get her nails trimmed, but I recently learned to do it at home. The vet told us she is building tartar on her back teeth, so I bought her dental care items. I have to learn to brush her teeth. Who knew? I thought she would be ok by getting a DentaStix chew everyday. She doesn't really chew her food though.
     Bella enjoys going for walks outside. She also likes it when she knows we are going for a ride in the van! I can't believe how lucky I am to have her in my life. When I am anxious, she will come to me to be rubbed. It helps a lot. When I am in pain, she will lay down on or near me, and I feel better from the pressure and heat. She gives kisses, and likes hugs. She is so soft, that she has to pull away at night to get rest, because I will keep petting her forever. When I feel depressed, she is with me. I know that she loves me unconditionally, and I love her too. She is the perfect dog for me.