After selling Real Estate and working for Tampa Electric for a majority of my I life, I became ill. I decided I wanted to get another dog to keep me company because I was very ill with Lupus, Chronic Fatigue and Immunology Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, plus severe back problems. I needed a doctors degree to actually understand what was wrong with me… but I took in stride. Why bother dwelling on what was wrong when I could find a great little companion. I just thought that a little buddy would get me through the day.
My husband, sister and mother were totally against it since I was so ill. I love them but, really?
5 years earlier, my husband and I had to put his 17 yr old dog down due to severe arthritis… It was so heartbreaking!
Fast forward to Oct. 2010, my husband was working in Miami and had the day off… very rare… and he suggested going to South Beach. We had lived in Miami (my husband for 20 yrs and me for 7 yrs). We only went to South Beach when company was visiting… and to splurge, after eating, having a few cocktails, visiting stores, even the “Kardashians’ Clothing Store” … we were walking and stumbled upon a pet store with the cutest little white “doggie” in the window. (totally cliche)
I didn’t know the breed, and wasn’t even aware Poms were white. I walk in and just felt I had to hold her… this little white ball of fur was pulling me towards her. I held her, we took photos with her. I fell in love but I didn’t buy her that night. I really wanted her, so I told the owner of the store that I would be back in a couple of weeks to pick her up because I would be back to visit a friend in Boone, NC and didn’t want to leave her in a kennel.
After returning from the trip, my husband asked me if I was going to get that little ball of fur… that “I fell in love with”. Although I fell in love, I said, “I doubt it… knowing he didn’t like small dogs. To my surprise… he said, “I love all dogs” It was totally out of character for him, so I decided to pray on it because no one never knows if you’re getting the the “Dog from Hell”! From what I got from my prayers were that God decided it was a good idea… and I agreed. Good thing I hate disagreeing with God.
I picked up my cell phone and called to put a deposit on my new puppy.
Then something slapped me in the head… kinda like a thunder bolt! Oh… that’s right… I’m allergic to … “Dogs”. I know what your thinking because that’s what I was thinking. How can I have a dog when I’m allergic. I know… funny thing, I prayed on it and I was told I could, weird and amazing. So I called my allergist’s office for a letter stating this fact in order to get my deposit back, thinking I couldn’t have this dog.
Low and behold, 4 months earlier I had new tests done and was no longer allergic to dogs!!! Obviously… I took this as a sign and several days later, picked Bella up and we drove 2 1/2 hours drive from Miami to her new home… my house.
She has been a blessing and a joy to my husband and me. My health is much improved since Bella has entered my life. My husband, Randy, says every day she makes him laugh and makes coming home after a difficult day’s work much more enjoyable. Gifts comes in small packages and we are grateful for Bella making our lives complete.