Back in 2012, I went with someone who was looking for a companion. I wasn’t. I needed to get my life straight, not bring home a dog. Then I saw her.
I grew up with large working breeds, so a 25-pound, six-month-old little gangster was not what I expected to reach into my chest and grab my soul—but she did. I took her out to play, telling myself I was just killing time while the others looked.
When it was time to leave, I stood in the doorway longer than I should have. I finally got in the car… and less than five minutes down the road I demanded we turn around. Turning around that day was the best decision I’ve ever made.
I came home with my soulmate—my ride or die, my shadow, my best friend. She was originally named Bekka, but it didn’t fit, and she made that clear. Bella suited her better.
Everywhere and Everything
Since that day, Bella has gone everywhere and done everything. She’s been invited to—and attended—weddings. She’s woven herself into countless childhood memories. Bella’s comforted people and animals when they needed it most. She’s taken epic road trips, hiked mountains, swum in ponds, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. She’s captained boats, ridden in heavy equipment, and made herself at home in more bars and parties than I can count.
We’ve moved states away from everything and everyone we knew—and back again. She mastered the art of disguise through countless costumes. She’s befriended dogs from the biggest K9s to the tiniest creatures.
She’s held many jobs: truck dog in multiple dump trucks, shop dog, demolition assistant, construction hand, babysitter, cleanup crew—and her personal favorite, solar panel.
I couldn’t be more grateful to have had such an incredible companion for the last 14 years. And however many more we get together, I’ll take every single one.
