Between some humans and animals, there is a bond that can never be replaced. You remember them forever. This was the type of bond I had with Augie, my beloved Dalmation of 13 ½ years.
From the beginning, this beautiful pup developed food allergies and required a highly specialized diet. It was an ongoing joke among friends and family; when anyone looked in the refrigerator and saw the “Augie” labeled food containers, it was obvious he ate better than anyone in the house! His all-time favorite food was tomatoes and he would always leap from his comfy bed out of sheer excitement when he saw the slices in my hand. Augie flourished on this special diet and remained 90 pounds for the last ten years of his life. If I was sad or sick, he was by my side. It still brings me to tears when I remember his eyes looking at me, as if he understood everything I was thinking and feeling.
As Augie got older, he was diagnosed with Spinal Myelopathy, which eventually causes the spine to deteriorate. Despite several surgeries, we were able to give him a very happy life. When he could no longer walk on his own, we purchased a custom-designed wheelchair to enable him to take walks for another four months. Eventually it became clear it was time for me to do what was best for him.
On December 26, 2007, I made the difficult decision to put Augie to sleep. It was one of the most painful experiences I have endured, but I wanted him to be in peace. I will always remember that day. It is amazing to me how the love of a pet can change a person. I encourage anyone to take the opportunity and adopt a pet. Of course, responsibility on your part is vital, but what you receive in return is so much more than what you give.
Augie is Bella’s original mascot and is also present in our new store logo. When you shop at Bella Rosa, you not only leave the store with a bag, but with a piece of my heart.
I now have three dogs at home and you will read about each one of them over the next few weeks. And don’t forget, at the end of our ‘behind the logo’ series we will announce a special shopping day where a percentage of the day’s proceeds benefits a local animal shelter. I absolutely love fashion…but animals are my heart! xoxo, Deb
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