I had been without a canine companion for over a year and felt the tug and need for a buddy again.  I had started gathering information to be interviewed by the Greyhound Rescue project and was on my way to Pet Smart for the interview.  Little did I know it was a public adoption day as well.  I parked the truck and was on my way into the store to begin the Greyhound adoption process and noticed the sidewalks lined with pet carriers, cages, and leashed animals of all shapes and desciptions. There was a big crowd of adoptees and adopters. As i threaded my way though the crowd my eyes locked on a beautifull face with big expressive eyes.  I went over and looked her over ( even though i already knew in my heart she was the one).  I asked the owner a few questions about this big puppy and then asked if i could take her for a walk.  She agreed and gave me her leash.  Her name was Isabella, a 60lb (at that time) lab shepard mix.  We walked over to an island in the parking lot and I sat under a tree with her.  She was not timid at all and was licking my face while I talked to her. Then she basically flopped down in my lap and looked up at me.  That was it,,, I had found my baby girl! 

After about 20 minutes we walked back to the owner and I asked if I could take her. The owners eyes filled with tears and made me promise to take great care of her and love her forever.  Of course, I agreed eagerly.  We walked out to the truck with all Belle's belongings and the owner walked Belle for thier last walk together.

It was a very tearful parting for the owner and Belle as well.  Then Belle and I started our lives together.

At the time I had a motorhome, so we went back to the RV park and began learning each other. She was still growing and kept growing, 90lbs at present!

We have had  5 wonderfull years  together so far.  She loves to travel, I suppose that is because she has traveled extensively with me in the motorhome and in my truck.  My truck has a bumper sticker on the back window "DOG IS MY CO-PILOT" because she always has her head out the back window with her nose to the wind checking my driving. People on the roads get a kick from this!

Belle is very well trained, she listens, most of the time, and is very smart.  She has been my rock since we met.  She has helped me through some rough times, She listens to me and knows when something is not right and will "guard" me as if to protect me  from whatever is wrong.  She can just give me a look  as if she knows what I am thinking.  I have never met a dog like her before, and I have had dogs all my life.

But,,,, now we have a problem.  Belle has Lymphoma.  She finished her first round of chemo February of '08.  We take it month by month now and are always hopefull that this disease wont come back.  My sister offered me some very comforting words "  Belle has exceeded all expectations so far, so why not expect her to perform above expectations in this battle?"

Everyone that meets Belle falls in love with her,, I know that is a daddy bragging, but I love my girl!  She is not a K-9, she is a K-10!!!

The Ultimate dog in the Universe!!