Thursday, January 22, 2009

Bella Rose

This is Bella Rose. She is 4 years old - or 28 in dog years. She is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi originally from Martinsville, Virginia. We got her and her brother, Everett when they were 2 months old.

Years back I discovered the wonderful world of Tasha Tudor - who always had one or more corgis around. I fell in love with the little elf dogs. Now we have two ourselves. Their short legs, foxy ears and loveable grin almost always makes me smile back. They believe without a doubt that when someone visits they came just to see them!

When we went to the breeder to pick out a corgi she had three pups left to chose from. Just like in a movie, when Bella and I made eye contact it was love at first sight. She waddled over to me and I picked up her. She said, "I want to go home with you." So I took her home.

Belle sleeps beside my bed on the floor. She makes sure the other dogs, Everett and Max don't come too close. Nipping and yipping if they invade her territory. She stays in the kitchen when I wash dishes in the evening, having to step over her when putting up dishes. She will work with you all day outside. And she hardly tires when chasing the lawn mower. Bella loves to sun herself on cold days and digs cool deep holes in the summer, and is ever watchful for the butterfly or bird passing over the yard. They must not invade her space! Squirrels know not to touch the ground when Bella is on patrol - even their chatter will draw a few barks from her. But she politely lets the gas meter reader in without a sound.

As with all corgis, they just have such a delightful grin. Their eyes are cheery and light up when they see you. But there are moments of dog sibling rivalry and Bella and Everett are at odds. They will growl at each other and make great efforts to not stay in the same room at times. I have to separate them when I feed them. Everett is very possessive with his food dish and snacks. But all is forgiven in a few hours.

Mom tells me that I've let Bella become dominant. That I am not leader of the pack. Mom is probably right. If you stop for a moment to pat Bella's head she will immediately roll over on her back for a belly rub. Every time. If you stop petting her she will not so gently nudge (read hit) your hand to let you know "Do not stop!" Lately she has been annoyed with the male members of her pack.

Bella Rose is an independent thinker, a hard worker, one who loves much and is loyal to a fault. She lets you know where you stand with her, is always happy to see you, and loves a good belly rub. And even in the midst of a nap if I announce I am going outside she is the first to jump up and run to the door, yet she knows in the middle of the night when I get up I am only going to the bathroom and will be back - no need to wake.

They say what kind of dog you have tells something about you. I hope so.

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