Bella
(aka Shelby)

My dad is a veterinarian and when I was very young someone brought in an adult female Dal with a minor eye problem to be put down.  My dad asked if he could keep her and they let me in her kennel during her recovery.  That was it I have been a Dalmatian lover ever since.  I lost my Dal in September of 2007 and searched desperately for a Dalmatian for our family and could not find one anywhere.  I searched every state my family lived in as well as Nebraska where I was living at the time.  I wound up rescuing a mutt from the shelter in Chickasha OK but I was still desperate for the connection only a Dalmatian friend can give you so I secretly kept searching.  We moved 3 more times that year and a friend of mine in Colorado told me about the Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado.  That is when I met Beth and also got to meet Opie.  We were temporary fosters for Opie but that did it...once again.  I was certain I needed more than just a taste of the Dalmatian world in my home so I told Beth we were willing to foster again.  She offered up Shelby (now Bella) who was arriving soon so I drove to Denver to pick her up.  I had my two girls with me so excited to meet another "Opie" dog.  I had the back of the car all ready for her but I had not anticipated how terrified she would be.  My youngest daughter started crying because she was hungry and before I could walk from the back of the car to the front Bella had climbed through the gate and was in Kaitlin's lap resting her head and licking her every so often to try to calm her down.  I could not believe it.  Once I started the car and headed home Bella was taking turns lying near each of the girls so they could pet her.  Though she was terrified she found comfort in comforting the girls.  I had a terrible feeling that this dog was going to be a source of conflict between my husband David and me.  I ignored the feeling and just brought her home.   My husband ignored her as much as possible and told me to do whatever it takes to help her find a home.  That was my intent, at least at first.  But I had no idea I had already found her a home...our home.  I had to go on a trip to Oklahoma and I took Bella with me.  As it turns out she was an awesome travel companion and I knew if someone came to take her away I would be heartbroken.  As it stands Bella has joined our family and taken her place as a friend to me and playmate for my girls.  She has certainly carved out her own place in all our hearts and is a welcome addition to our home.

Kami B.
Brighton, CO

I miss my kids... guess this one will have to do!

I love my two-legged sister.               

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