I love my dog.

I honestly don't take a single second for granted that I spend with my dog. I love every minute I have with her. I enjoy her presence all of the time and she always makes me feel good.

I didn't grow up loving animals. Dog's breath kind of grossed me out, and I didn't like when they jumped on me. Not to mention, I got tripped and cut up my the chain of a golden retriever when I was only 6. The backs of my legs were all bloody and I remember having to put hydrogen peroxide on it until it burned.

I also remember the day the lady came and took my first dog away. I was only about three, but I will never forget seeing her silhouette in the door of parents ranch style home. All I remember is that she took her to a "better place". [my parents had to give the dog away because she was disruptive to my premature baby sister]. I later asked my parents if they just put the dog down, they said no, so I do believe my memory is accurate here. I really don't have any other memories of my first dog, other than when she was taken away...which seems weird.

After that, maybe I distanced myself from animals -- you know, so they couldn't be taken away. I don't know.

I do know that I love my dog way more than any human should love an animal...and I honestly enjoy every minute I spend with her. Even when she is driving me crazy and pacing and whining. Because, I know -- someday, she'll be too old and too weak to do those things, so I cherish those hectic moments now. I know I'll miss that someday.

Bella is a sweetheart.