I first saw Bella on a video tape. She was just all black hair and a pink tongue and mop of hair. When I asked to see a picture of her face it was no better. Bella was a working dog. She is a shih-tzu and was trained as a lap dog. The problem with the organization she worked for is she never saw the light of day... Literally. She had never been outside. Her day consisted of crate, van, visit, play area, food and crate. Repeat. The puppies age out at six months and my girlfriend had grabbed Bella's sister. I wanted Bella. I waited and waited, after 2 months post six months the owner gave her up at a hefty price but she was free. I should have captured the first time I took her outside on a lease. She sat and stared at the world around her. She's still in awe but rescued and free. She's my baby girl.

Valerie Clark
LOWELL, MA