Bella

by LaVonne Alberti
(Greenville, Ga.)

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!

Years ago I met a standard poodle that 'smiled for cookies'. I decided that was my kind of dog! My cousin worked in a vet's office - when a breeder asked if she knew anyone that would want a standard poodle about to retire - she called me.

Bella had lived in a kennel for 3 years, she had never been inside a home. She was afraid of everything. For several weeks, every morning I had to reintroduce myself. She reminded me of Drew Barrymore in 50 First Dates. It took a lot of patience but today she is a happy, fearless, clown dog like the one I met years ago.

She enjoys playing with 3 other rescue dogs that work on our farm and the attentions of our chihuahua, Elvis (he likes big girls).

Bella has convinced me I should always have a standard poodle. She may even talk me into rescuing another, she and I are suckers for a sob story!