I don't remember how old/young I was when she came into my life, but I remember it was just before Christmas and I was in either Elementary School or Junior High. We had just lost our Black Labrador, Black Jack and my Mother had a hole in her heart that just wouldn't mend.
My Father, seeing the hurt within her eyes, told her, "Come on, get your coat. We're going away for awhile" and we all piled into the car.
We pulled into this Shelter/Kennel about an hour away from us. Mom looked confused, but Dad turned to her and told her that "inside" that building was the key to fixing her heart. A little one wanting to come home, and be spoiled rotten by her. That he knew they (as in any adopted pet) could never take the place of Black Jack but maybe they could make her smile again. Mom agreed. And we all went inside.
When Mom's eyes fell upon this chubby little Yellow Lab, and the cute little butterball waddled her way over to my Mom, you could see her eyes soften, immediately. She picked her up and the chubby little creature began to lick her face, without even hesitating. Mom was in love. Mom was so in love. Tears began to flow down her face and she looked at my Father with this expression on her face that told me, heck, told all of us, this was our new furry friend.
We left that day with a new family member. "Anna's Christmas Belle", as Mom registered her, aka Isabelle/Belle/Izzy/Booch. A sweet, adorable, beautiful little girl who went from a small, chubby little klutz to a beautiful teen... right before our eyes...
Belle was one of the greatest dogs I have ever known. She was this perfect bandaid, if you will, for all our hearts, and this wonderful friend and partner and crime to the lot of us. When Belle passed away in September of 2015, not even a year after we lost Mom.... we knew Mom would be waiting for her, arms open, ready to throw her arms around her beautiful little girl again and tell her how much she loved and missed her.
As we continue to miss them both, all I can say is, I am so glad I had the opportunity to know and to love this dog.... and I am so glad she had the opportunity to know and love us in return. She truly was... the perfect pet.
I will never be able to thank STAR enough for the opportunity to welcome in not just this little lady, but my Anna into my family. I hope that I can make you proud of the work I do to these darlings, but more so, I hope that I can make Belle and Mom happy, knowing the love and passion I have for them, is being put into two memorials for them on here.
(Riley wanted to be the center of attention, but I made sure our Izzy got in the picture anyways. Good gosh, I miss this blondie)