Career Day

Yesterday I was honored to speak at a school Career Day! The students and staff were so friendly and I had the chance to I meet over 500 people.


If I estimate that every person pet me once or two twice, that means I got over 1,000 back and tummy rubs. Good day for me!

In between my presentations I explored other parts of the school. The science lab was fascinating.
I put one of my treats under the microscope to see if I could run a quick experiment and figure out what is really in one of those goodies. No luck, it just looked like a blob of stuff to me. But, fortunately the treat still looked yummy when it was magnified so I ate it.

School is so much fun! Next I visited the fish that were busy swimming around. I think they were jealous they were not invited to speak at Career Day. Maybe next year I told them.

All in all I had a super fun day – I didn’t want to leave. Thank you to the students and especially the staff for their kindness and making me feel so welcome. Your school rocks! Not only are the students bright, but they are learning how to become good people – the most important lesson in life.

Protector of the Heart

This weekend my family and I went on a ski vacation to Vermont. Never having skied before I gave it a whirl. Quickly I found out that I am neither a ski bunny nor a ski dog. Oh well!

I wound up spending my time at doggie day camp and romping around the snow banks instead of the ski slopes.

The experience made me think about dogs and their jobs. Clearly I’ll never be a ski instructor or one of those cool avalanche dogs.

Last week I was watching a special on the television regarding the evolution of dogs. The show started out discussing the role of the dog as “protector of the herd.”

As I was watching, I was thinking of my job as a pet therapy dog. A lot of what I do deals with comforting people and providing an outlet to share in some friendship. Some might say my role is that of “protector of the heart.” It is the love and compassion in our hearts that keeps us going and I am privileged to hold the post as its guardian.

Working Overtime

This week I was called in for a special case, or should I say a special friend. Usually I work two days a week, but there was a situation that required my attention and this week I put in three days!

For this visit, my Dad came too. On the ride to the hospital, my Dad asked my Mom “How do you know Bella likes doing the pet therapy?” My Mom answered, “You’ll see.” When we arrived at the hospital, I bounced out of the car and stood at attention facing the entrance door. As we started walking I began to trot like a horse - I was at work now and I meant business.

It took longer than expected to make it to our friend’s room because so many people, both friends and strangers, wanted me to stop for a hug and a hello. As my Dad watched, he could see the faces of the people I was interacting with soften and the worries of their day melt away. My work includes patients, staff and visitors. I am not sure which is harder sometimes, being the sick person or being the one who has to watch your loved one suffer. That is why I am glad to help people escape the pain or troubles that hold them down. Even if the escape is just for a moment, I am proud to be a part of it.

On the way home, my Dad turned to my Mom and said, “I see why Bella loves her job.” Now off to bed - I have had a very busy work week and I need my beauty sleep!

My Wish For You

So many festive things take place at a birthday party from eating mounds of sweet frosted fluffy birthday cake (or in my case cheddar flavored birthday biscuits) to opening the tenderly gift wrapped presents. But the part that really makes a birthday special is the people you share it with. It’s the simple pleasures of laughter and smiles that make a party fulfilling – those are the most precious gifts. When the cake is gone and the party is over, the memories of those you shared your day with will remain in your heart.

Since I have had so many birthday parties this month I was able to make lots of wishes when I blew out the candles. I must say I have been a very lucky dog – so far all my wishes came true! So I’ll give my last birthday wish to you – may you too have many family and friends to share it with!

Birthday Workout

While I was in the physical therapy room yesterday I thought I’d check out the exercise equipment. As you know January is my birthday month and there has been a party practically every day (thanks to everyone for making me feel so special!).



My tummy is getting a bit plump so I’ve got to start working off some of these birthday biscuits. But as you can see, I am having trouble figuring out how this treadmill thing works. Oh well, until I do there will be just a little more of me to love!

An International Friend

This time my leash traveled all the way to Italy! As you can see from the picture, I am brushing up on my Italian so I can converse more with my new friend, Lina. In the meantime, I might have to rely on the translator button recently added to the left side of this page.

Lina wrote “Buona domenica un saulto dall Italia” which according to my translation means “Good Sunday a salute from Italy.” I always appreciate when someone takes the time to say hello or wish me well, but this is especially exciting when it comes from across the globe. Sometimes it’s the simplest word or smallest gesture that goes the longest way.

It's My Birthday!

Today I turn two! I think that means that I am no longer officially a “puppy.” But as the adage goes, you are only as old as you feel and I still behave like a feisty, fun-loving puppy (if we ever have the chance to meet, I am sure you’ll agree!).


This month I am celebrating my birthday at all my pet therapy sites so as long as it is January it is still party time! Mom is bringing cupcakes and birthday hats so the staff and patients can celebrate with me (and don’t worry, she packs special dog birthday treats for me!).

I feel a little bit like a Hollywood star in this birthday diva outfit. Lots of people are smiling and taking my picture with their cell phones – the puppy paparazzi can’t seem to get enough! Happy birthday to me and happy birthday to you – whenever your special day may be!

I'm Contagious

The verdict is in – I’ve got it and I’m contagious! Yes, I’ve got the happy bug and last week it spread like wildfire. When I checked-in at the hospital Volunteer Office, there was a special request that I visit a patient, Jean, on the 6th floor. When I arrived at Jean’s room, I hopped up on her bed, offered my belly for a rub and rolled around. She started laughing and I answered her laugh with a bark. I guess we were making such a hullabaloo that the nurses came to the room. I thought I was in trouble, but it was just the contrary. The nurses came with messages that other patients heard the dog and wanted a visit too. Some of the patients couldn’t wait any longer so they started to form a line in the hallway. Jean invited my admirers in her room and soon there was a little party on the 6th floor. Who knew that the hospital could be so much fun! And don’t worry, the party will continue at least for the week because Thursday is my birthday – I’ll be 2 !

Back to Work

Today is January 2nd which means vacation is over and it is time to get back to work! They say you are lucky if you find a job in life that you love – well then I am one lucky dog (literally)! Every once in a while something happens that reminds me why it is so important to share myself with others.

When I entered the job site today (a retirement community home), I had some of my fan club devotees waiting for my visit. Of course I was thrilled to see them too, so I barked with delight. Around the corner, some residents and staff members recognized my bark and exclaimed with eagerness, “Bella is here!” One of the residents, Anna, had trouble moving and it took a while for her hand to reach my fluffy fur (Mom always brushes me out before work so I am extra soft). When Anna finally made contact with my back, I didn’t move so that it would be easier for her to pet me. After embracing me, she sat up to smile and took a long deep peaceful breath. Anna closed her eyes and spoke warmly about a dog from her past. Then, she bent over, pet me a second time, sat back up, smiled and told me the same story. This scenario repeated several times. I was like a little button that activated a fond memory inside of her. It was rewarding to watch her contentment as she spoke of the love of a dog. Some might grow tired of hearing the same story over and over, but for me it was affirmation that I was doing my job – helping someone to access those special memories that we bury deep within our hearts. Love is always in our hearts – sometimes we just need a little assistance finding it.

Please Vote for Me !

Happy New Year! Another year, another pet contest …

Please vote for me - I am pet # 27
http://www.phillystylemag.com/dogvoting3.cfm

Thanks! I’ll let you know if I win! Woof ! Woof !