We always hear the words a person's best friend is a dog and never a truer word was ever spoke. Through think and thin Bella our beloved golden retriever has always been by my side. Through everything, the good times the bad and we've gone on all kinds of adventures.
That was until my daughter was born and things changed. From never having to call my best mate as she would always be by my side I had to go in search and call out multiple times. I was in awe at the commitment displayed by Bella. I was worried about how she would take having a baby in the house. But her motherly instincts automatically kicked in.
Everything my daughter would cry, awake in the night or show signs of agitation, Bella would be there. Coming to get me or barking to let us know she was awake and needed help. It was great having a third set of eyes on my daughter. There was a few times I feel asleep on the couch from the late nights and Bella would come running in barking waking me as I'd jump in fright that I had fallen to sleep I would run into the room to find my daughter with a big smile on her face. Thank you Bella for helping me be a better dad.
As my daughter learned to walk it was Bella who supported her to stand up straight and catch her as she fell. At times my daughter would grab hold of Bella's coat and be dragged along the tiles to her desired location. She had learned how to get about with the help of the dog.
My daughter would always look out for Bella and provide her with some much needed nutrients and Bella was always happy to oblige despite my calls of no.
They would spend hours just resting and watching the world go by enjoying each other's company. A bond I once shared with my Bella was now with my daughter and my heart smiled as the two became best friends.
Soon my daughter was walking on her own and every adventure in the great outdoors included Bella by her side. My daughter would always ask the hold the lead but she wasn't big enough yet and would often fall as Bella's excitement would see her not know her own strength. She'd always come straight back to check she was ok and you could see her hurt as she knew she'd caused my daughter pain.
My daughter is now 4 and enjoys the daily walk I smile as the bond between the two of them has grown. I lost my best friend but my daughter found hers ❤