Today is Bella's birthday and the bambini's have been busy planning a fun day for her. Autumn wants to give her a bath (not Bella's choice!) and they want to take her for a long walk in the desert...of course they got her gifts - a new bone, a box of treats and a new squeaky toy.
Bella has become extra special to our family - a gift from Kimmy. I know I mentioned before, when our pup, Zona, passed away in March, I wanted to wait for a while before looking for a new puppy...but Kim had been doing her research online, looking for puppies to save. She found an organization, B.A.R.K. (Baby Animal Rescue Coalition), that really grabbed her heart and the St. Francis in her. When Kim noticed that they had a litter of lab/border collie mixes, she called B.A.R.K. to see how we might be able to see them
The young lady at B.A.R.K. told her they currently were at their offices over by the Tucson Mall and we could come by around 2:00. Kim asked about where the puppies had come from. The lady told Kim that the pups were from a ranch near Tubac. Apparently, the rancher's border collie got mixed up with his neighbor's lab and had puppies. He was planning to use his shotgun to take care of the unwanted litter. Kim burst into tears and said we have to go see these puppies today!
When we got there, there were a few other people chosing puppies, but Kim and the kids gravitated to Bella immediately. She was the runt of the litter, and her little puppy eyes locked in on Kimmy's - and that was that. Right after Kim picked her up, another couple came in and told her 'if you choose not to take that puppy, we would like her'...Kim smiled at them, tearing up, and said, 'I'm sorry, this is my 'Bella''.
Although Bella has her mischevious side, her and Kim were inseparable, whether gardening or in the kitchen cooking. She loved that girl. And Bella has been so good with the kids since day one. They love to wrestle with her, throw her a ball and take her for walks.
The house is definitely colder without Kimmy here, but we sure are blessed that she insisted on getting Bella, who has put smiles on all of our faces. Today we celebrate Bella and we'll know that Kimmy is watching down on us smiling...
Love,
Dave
Dave you are doing such a great job recalling all these wonderful memories! Your memory is superb! Every time you tell a story from years gone by, I wonder if I'd be able to do the same...I love the details you remember! Anyhoo, I am just LOVING learning so much about Kim! And I can just see her holding her new 'baby' with her sweet smile, claiming her as 'her' Bella. I love it!! And, if I may say so, GREAT job on the picture of the Bella with your post! :)
ReplyDeleteVery sweet! Happy Birthday, Bella! We celebrate our dogs birthdays, too! Your stories make me laugh, cry, and smile. So inspirational...always! I hope you and your kiddos have a great last day before school starts together. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bella!!! She certainly is a big ball of energy... dressed in an inconspicuous and cute, furry wrapper! Kind of reminds me of a Zots candy. Yeah, if you can remember them, you're showing your age like I am! Sweet and wonderful on the outside, but they packed a real zing when you got to the inside! Just like that wonderful puppy.
ReplyDeleteHappy New year again to you and the Bambini's! May it remain full of hope, faith, and love.
Kenny