They have always said that man's best friend is his dog and that saying could not be truer, they also say man's master is his cat.... me and my cat have a love hate relationship but it's more of a hate hate relationship. But Bella is definitely my best friend and she's been there through a fair bit of our families life moments.
I have to admit that these later years of her life or her mid years must be quite hard for her as it's been less about her and more about the kids.
When I ran for local government in 2016 Bella was my campaign partner who came out alot of the time with me door knocking and meeting with people. We walked thousands of kilometres over a two week period making sure we got to speak to alot of locals. That year I missed out on being elected by 200 primary votes!
When the Government was trying to cut Medicare we were out on the streets door knocking again and out at market stalls meeting with people, signing petitions and fighting to ensure health care remained in public hands and affordable to Australian's, we were successful.
Then we were out with one of our favourite federal members of parliament playing a game of Teugo which is kind of a hybrid game of bocci/pollo an early invention by rail workers in Australia and underwent a revival.
She more or less ended up stealing everyone's puck and running off with it but it was a great day nonetheless.
But the best was yet to come as she became a wonderful companion to Lil miss when she was born. I was always worried about how Bella would go when we brought lil miss home but she instantly clicked and her motherly love and effection shone through.
She was always there, day and night watching over and a great help staying up all night with us as we cared for little miss. Your first born is always the hardest it's a shock to the system and you have no idea what is going on.
I remember falling asleep a few times and not hearing little miss' cries but Bella sure enough would start barking to let us know that she was awake and would rush to her bedside to try and help. If only you could train a dog to change nappies that would be the ultimate Paradise (last week's word of the week).
Bella's hugs were pretty awesome too, she used to do this thing when she was scared. She'd run up and jump into my arms and hold on tight. She doesn't do it anymore and it's probably because she's getting older or maybe she sees herself as the big sister and now the guardian of the little ones.
Bella has always been my companion and I'm glad that my kids have gotten to share that love with her too. Although these days there's not as many outings for Bella and it's hard. We used to take her out hiking all the time and to all our magical places.
One day we will again and once lock down is over, we'll show her and the kids the big wide world!