Boston Terrier, Hound [Mix]

A Story About Bella

Sometimes life takes unpredictable twists and turns. We lost two of our beloved pets in the past year – our wonderful golden retriever to a liver cancer and our mixed breed cat to a pulmonary infection. After a period of adjustment and grieving, we began planning for another addition to our family. Searching through internet resources, we found petfinders.org and from there we found Hedgesville Hounds and a lovely pup that we wished to adopt.

At first, our application was rejected since southern Pennsylvania was outside of Hedgesville Hounds adoption area. I am not sure why we were reconsidered – maybe there was something in our continued email exchange that told her this was the right thing to do. We then moved through the next phases of the adoption process and we were approved.

Well, our first puppy was not to be. She took ill with a diarrheal illness and despite the best of effort to save her life, she passed away within weeks of her projected adoption date. We were saddened but I was happy that this unfortunate puppy died having been nurtured and loved.

Our contact at Hedgesville Hounds told us to be patient and about a month later, she told us of a litter of pups that we might be interested in. We looked at the pictures and said yes.

Well that was on a mid-October weekend just about 1 year ago. What can I say about Bella and our family. It’s hard to know where to start. She is an outrageously wonderful dog. She is playful but respectful; mischievous but obedient; active but willing to cuddle; always expressive; always kind at heart and always willing to show love and affection. I can honestly say that she has made everyone in the family a better person and we are more united as a family.

She pretty much goes everywhere with us. On a weekly basis, she accompanies me to the hospital where I work. While she is “officially” not allowed in the hospital, she is well known to every security guard, the nurses on several units and Radiology staff. When she is not with me, people seem disappointed. Bella brings out the best in people – and that’s particularly important in a hospital environment. Obviously, the kids on the hospital unit love to see her but I have been equally struck by the joy she brings to all ages. She loves to play soccer with Mark and she enjoys her kayaking outings. Bella’s an absolute hoot at bedtime. While we didn’t exactly plan it this way, she always finds herself with her body under the covers and her head usually up on the pillow nestled in between Kathy and me. We also think she’s beautiful – even her curled lip Elvis Presley look.

My family is indebted to Hedgesville Hounds. One measure of our strength as a society is it’s sense of humanity and I can not think of a more humane organization than Hedgesville Hounds. My family will never forget the kindness and care you gave Bella and the opportunity you gave us to give her a home.