Okay, so our first baby (or should I say... fur-baby) turned two today! And no, it doesn't escape me that she, the silliest dog I've ever met, was born on April Fool's Day! The day I brought her home from the shelter is a day I'll never forget. She cried the entire hour-drive home. Since that time, not much has changed. She remains a very timid dog, afraid of anything that moves (this includes the yoga ball, a very scary yellow leaf, the kitchen, some of Elizabeth's toys, all dogs both big and small, and some humans). And like a lot of insecure people I know, she uses a loud bark to hide the fact that she is afraid.
Despite her crazy fearful side, she really is one of the sweetest dogs I've ever known. And such a joy and blessing to our family. As you may imagine, however, life for Bella has changed dramatically in the last six months!!!
As someone once said to me, "There is nothing like having a real baby to make you realize that your dog is just that--a dog." So true! This isn't to say that we love Bella any less. If anything we love her more, especially the way she is so careful with Elizabeth. It's just that when you have a baby, your whole perspective on the
world changes. And the dog you once thought was like a child, you suddenly realize doesn't even come close to the love of an actual child. It's hard to explain. Anyway, Bella is a wonderful dog, and her behavior toward the baby, as mentioned, can best be described as careful. She tries her best to keep her distance, but in a loving way. She comes running when she hears a wet burp, or one of us yell "oops," and likes to sniff Elizabeth on occasion, but other than that, is content to be off to herself.
We continue to keep a close eye on the two of them... as Elizabeth has been known to rip a tuft of hair from Bella if given the opportunity. Bella never reacts when she does this, but you just never know when it comes to dogs.
At any rate, here are some photos of Elizabeth with her fur-sis. I can just imagine this same scene, Bella and Elizabeth playing in the grass, a few years down the line. How wonderful to watch them grow up together!
What a dog! Happy Birthday, Bella!
