Bella: Our Lovely New Dog

( 50 lb dog with shiny black-brown fur, white stripe down her nose and prick ears poses like the Sphinx, with her rear legs folded and her front legs outstretched )

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Bella has burrowed her way into our hearts. Last week the Underdog Rescue placed Bella in our care. We've enjoyed every moment of our time with her.

She's a remarkably lovely dog. She's a young adult, though we don't know her exact age. She herded all the children in her first Madison placement , so we suspect she's got some Border collie in the mix. Her fur looks black from a distance but up close it's a deep brown; so maybe there's some chocolate lab heritage. We're thrilled with how easy* she is:

• She greets everyone with a wiggle and a kiss, genuinely pleased to meet new people and dogs.


• Her fur is as soft as a rabbit's coat, and she's so soothing to pet.


• She enjoys playing, walking, and sleeping equally.


• When she sleeps, she emits comforting snores, snuffles, and wheezes.


• She came to us already potty- and crate-trained


• She already knows "sit," "no," "come," and "drop it." In less than 10 days she's well on her way to "down," "hupup," and "off."

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( Black dog 35in from nose to base of tail, lies on her back, all 4 paws in the air. Front two paws meet the outstretched palms of MyGuy, an older white fellow )

*: We assumed all dogs were challenging after 14 years with Teddy the Neurotic, then 15yrs with Lucy the Alpha Bitch.