In September 2017, my husband Jimmy and I saw this Facebook post and were immediately smitten with the smallest beagle we ever laid eyes on.
Adopted in October 2017, we renamed her Bella not realizing it was the most popular female dog name. Given she responded to it so quickly, we wonder if it was her original name.
We knew Etta and Bella would bond in time and were tickled to capture this sweet photo of them in the car.
At home though, Etta had to be in the bed first. Countless times I had to remove Bella from the bed so Etta could claim her spot. Then Bella was allowed to join. Loved them in matching PJs.
Bella joined Etta in helping me promote kid-lit on my Beagles and Books blog. Surprisingly, Bella’s signature tongue out didn’t appear on camera yet.
When we said goodbye to Etta in February 2020, Bella was my comfort. She graciously took over as full time book model for the blog. And when schools were virtual from March 2020-March 2021, Bella was my companion during online teaching.
Bella loved her daily walks. Unlike Etta, she permitted me to stop and chat with neighbors. She also loved to roll in the grass and rain did not deter her from her exercise.
Bella was a terrific traveler. With her happy demeanor and her tongue, out, she always got attention wherever we went.
Bella’s size made her a puppy in our eyes; however we knew she was a senior dog. When her stamina decreased, we carried her in a bag and she had no complaints.
Bella, my sweet girl. I will miss your adorable tongue, beautiful brown eyes, pet me nudges, sweet barks, warmth on my lap & the power to make every day better. Every second with you was a gift.
Beagles & Books will look at little different for the next few months but the blog will continue in both Bella’s & Etta”s memory. And hopefully this summer, my beagle girls will help me find another precious soul to spread the book love.
Beagles & Books 