The Loving Dog Who Saved My Life

First off I want to talk about my dog Bella. Well actually she is my parents dog. However I am living back at home and so I help take care of her as well. The story of Bella starts about three years ago when she was just two years old.

Bella is a mut, mixed breed of at least three different types. Honestly though, I would call her the sweetest dog I know. My parents first applied as foster parents for animals and they didn't exactly know what to expect. When they were first told about Bella, they were informed of her anxiety and lack of friendliness around children. My parents at that time had eighteen grandchildren and took on the challenge regardless.

At first my parents didn't have many people come around, they wanted Bella to get comfortable in the home. They were also supposed to foster her for two weeks, then that two weeks turned into two months and now three years later she is a part of the family.

So within the first six months of Bella being at my parents, we slowly introduced her to the family. We made sure everyone approached her slowly and were super gentle. We also kept visits to a maximum of thirty minutes each so that Bella didn't get overwhelmed. We discovered that it was if Bella was almost tortured by little kids. Everytime a child five or under walked up to her, her heart started to race and she tried backing away.

There have only been a few instances where Bella has nipped at the kids. She hasn't bitten anyone and she hasn't caused any harm. Now I want to tell you of when she saved my life.

There are such things as emotional support animals, I qualify for one however since I live at my parents and Bella doesn't do good with other dogs I am unable to get my own. I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder after the 7th time I tried to commit suicide. I have had a hard and difficult life of not being diagnosed for years.

One night when I was so upset I couldn't stop crying, Bella came into my room and would not leave me alone. She came up on the bed and layed with me, then when I didn't pet her, she came up and nudged my face. We were both sitting on the bed and she put her paws on my shoulders and laid her head next to mine. It was as if she was giving me a hug.

I cried on Bella's shoulder for a few minutes and she started licking up my tears. It tickled my face and I started to laugh. We aren't exactly sure where Bella learned her techniques but what we do know is that without Bella that night I was planning on hurting myself.

I am now pregnant with my third child and I have been through counseling and therapies to help with my borderline personality disorder and multiple other mental health problems. I can confidently say that I have a lot clearer mind.

Bella still to this day gives hugs to those who need it most. She has got to be the favorite dog we have ever had. She loves kids and loves to play ball and run around. Her anxiety is a lot less than it used to be. And without her, I might be dead.

So in conclusion I would have to say any animal that can help save the lives of anyone is the best animal out there. I make sure that Bella knows what she did does not go without noticing. She loves getting brushed and playing fetch, and to me she my best friend.