nine

A birthday came and went in this house without the proper recognition.

Bella turned 9.



We celebrated with a doughnut for breakfast, some toys Lauren picked out herself, and Frosty Paws to share with Charlotte.

Sometimes I feel a little guilty about some of the changes in Bella's lifestyle the last couple of years. She doesn't receive near as much one on one attention, not as many trips to the dog park, and now there is another little dog to share the attention with who consistently bites at her legs {and keeps her young}.

But with all those changes that aren't so fun, came one little girl who loves her Bella and shows her everyday.



I used to think about Bella as a 'family' dog and hoped my children would get to love her just as Matt and I do.
And it's better than I imagined it.
The daily hugs, kisses, and treats, from playing in the backyard to reading together in the tent. They have a special little bond that makes my heart happy.

And then there is this one...


There's a bond there too.
It's one made up of learning to share toys and teaching Lauren new vocabulary like "back up", "No, No, NO!" and "Go outside", but it's a bond too.

A real special one.