Babysitting Bella

Whitney M.

March 20, 2010 - 6:00 PM

I am taking care of my friend Kinsley's dog. If you have been following, you know that I decided that I am glad that I don't have a dog of my own yet-despite my inability to resist traveling blocks out of my way to catch up to a puppy just to get a quick bout of face time with a new pup.
Over spring break, I have been taking care of Bella, a Papillion-terrier mix, and the experience is not what I thought it would be. I thought that I would find the responsibility a daunting task, but it hasn't been. I thought that it would take no time at all for me to find pet "ownership" impossible.

But no.

I have LOVED waking up in the morning to take Bella outside. I have LOVED taking her on at least two 30-minute walks a day. And I have loved training her to do things that she hadn't learned already. Sometimes, of course, she barks a shrill, insufferable small-dog yap (pretty much exclusively in the presence of other canines). But otherwise, she is adorable, happy, loving, and a treat to have.

My dad dislikes her. He thinks that she is a silly little excuse for what pretends to be a dog, but even my boyfriend and I, people whose hearts are devoted to things proportional to our sizes (quite large), find her irresistible.

Collin's big dog, Murphy, is a Bernese Mountain Dog mix, and he is calm, enormous, and he never barks. But for all of Murphy's redeeming qualities, he does not have Bella's ability to bring tears of joy to my eyes.

She is the sweetest animal around. And still a pup, she needs discipline from time to time.

But nothing beats the slight irritation, bewilderment, and amusement I feel when Bella has burrowed her way under the covers and is content to sleep there until the morning.

I realize how gratifying it is to have someone to take care of. Caring for Bella gives my day-to-day life just a little more meaning. Knowing that I am responsible for her life's security and enjoyment has made me feel happier and more competent.

Kinsley better watch out, she may not be getting her dog back.