Getting Bella

These were taken at our friends' house

when we went to pick up our puppy, Bella.

Fun tire swing!

Meeting Bella!

Cool barn.

Baby A. with J.

Puppy

Our friends were looking for a new home for their nine month old German short hair puppy. We thought about it and after we were done being sick, went out to their house to spend some time with Bella. We brought her home last night. All of us are so excited to have a dog again! She is the sweetest girl, very affectionate and pleasing. Today I took her for a walk/jog this morning. She did so well on the leash and I felt so glad to have that push to get out of the house and get some fresh air and exercise.

There is something so healing about a puppy.

Goodbye

We have had dogs as pets for as long as I can remember. I grew up with several great dogs, and had a few in our marriage before kids. Robin the beagle joined our family about 10 years ago, and we added Jackson, the long haired chihuahua about seven years ago. On the 4th of July, we left both dogs in the chain link dog run outside. Unfortunately, Jackson must have dug out from underneath and escaped. After searching, putting up posters, calling and visiting the local humane societies, we still have not found poor Jackson. Then tragedy hit our family as J. was getting the kids ready to go the other morning. I was at a therapy session with E. and missed the whole thing. I met J. in the parking lot of work to trade cars. I asked how the morning went, and learned about what happened. Robin had ran out the front door left open by a child, and ran right into the road. He was hit and killed by a truck going past. J. was inside, getting our foster child ready to go. He heard yelling, tires squealing, and a loud thud, followed by yells for dad. He went running out, fearing that one of our children had been hit, but it was Robin. He sent everyone inside, all crying and upset, and dealt with the disposal and clean up. And then we all mourned. J. was able to come home early from work that night. We are still sad. We miss our dogs.