November 11, 2022

Zsofia looked at me and said, "Today is Bella's birthday. The new members of the White Dog Army never met Bella. I miss her very much. Every year on her birthday, momma would tell us about bringing her home to live with us. Could YOU tell us the story?" Sure, I said, everyone, gather around. I won't tell the story like momma would have, but I will be happy to tell you about our little Bella. 

“It is time, momma,” Nuka whispered into momma's heart. (Nuka had recently gone to the Rainbow Bridge, but spoke gently to momma). “I know your heart is still in pain but every day that goes by a pup that could have been rescued is lost. And the White Dog Army has room to provide a most amazing home filled with love and redemption and security and care. It is what I want; it is how I want you to remember me…as sharing the most beautiful thing ever in my life on Earth with a fellow dog in need.”

I handed momma a sheet of paper with a photo and told her that we've all been scouting for the perfect recruit, one that we all agreed needed us most. Here is a beautiful girl for your consideration. If you're not ready, we will all understand, but...how can you resist this adorable face?

The tiny Eskie girl on the sheet was a senior breeder dog who had been given up when she could no longer produce “reliable” litters. She was being fostered in a small town about three hours from us. we were easily approved by the rescue, and took a trip to pick up little Bella. White Dog, Yo Yo Ma and Puff jumped into Pumpkin with momma and me, and off we went.

When we arrived, Bella was awaiting us inside. I had to chase her around to catch her - she was a FAST little thing! The first thing she did afterward was to jump into momma's arms. She stayed there for the whole three hours back home. She was VERY shy, and immediately ran under momma's chair when we arrived home. 

Bella spent about theree years living under that chair, only coming out for necessaries and to spend time in momma's arms, but that's a story for another day.