by Jean Baur
American Kennel Club Therapy Dog Program. See details at www.akc.org/events/title-recognition-program/therapy/
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
There are so many to thank—so many who helped Bella and the making of this book. First, I’d like to thank Mary Eldergill of Amigos de los Animales PR, who found Bella and her siblings on Dead Dog Beach and fostered them until they were ready for the shelter and the long trip to Newark, New Jersey. The whole team at Amigos does so much for animals who need our help—a shout-out to Adri Galler Lastra, president and shelter director. And thanks to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in North Branch, New Jersey, who took care of Bella until we adopted her at about four months old.
There are too many trainers and friends and other dogs who have all been part of Bella’s upbringing to mention. You know who you are and I thank you. Lastly, I’m indebted to my wonderful editor, Nicole Frail, at Skyhorse Publishing. She’s been great to work with and has made the book much stronger. And a big thanks to the whole team at Skyhorse, including editorial assistant Nicole Mele and publicist Jaidree Braddix.
Bob holding Bella on our deck on her first day at our home, May 2007.
Bella sitting on our deck as a puppy, getting to know her new backyard.
Angus, the dog we had before Bella, walks down our street in a blizzard.
Bella and our cat, Henry, get acquainted.
Bella on high alert, ready to play. Image courtesy of Leasajo Hall.
Bella and I join Deb and Shelby at the Starfish House where we volunteer every week. Image courtesy of Leasjo Hall.
Bella and Shelby get treats from Jan, the nurse coordinator at Starfish.
Bella and Shelby have a weekly visit with Abby at Starfish.
Bella suns herself after a swim.
Bella and Henry put their heads together.
Beverly and I comfort the “baby” at Starfish. Beverly becomes my favorite.
Bella touches a resident’s hand at Starfish. Image courtesy of Leasjo Hall.
Bella in front of our rhododendrons. Image courtesy of Leasajo Hall.
Bella and I take a rest while out hiking.
Bella running full out at Barn Island, Connecticut.
Bella, after running loose and swimming at Barn Island, Connecticut.
Liam meets Bella at Deans Mill School. Image courtesy of Grace White, The Westerly Sun.
Annelise, a legally blind seven-year-old girl, gets her first touch of Bella’s back. Image courtesy of Grace White, The Westerly Sun.
Bella enjoys playing hide-and-seek at Deans Mill School. Image courtesy of Grace White, The Westerly Sun.
Bella reads a book with Austin, Deans Mill School. Image courtesy of Leasjo Hall.
Bella really likes the story Liam is reading to her at Deans Mill School. Image courtesy of Leasjo Hall.
Bella puts her paws up to see Liam’s experiment at Deans Mill School. Image courtesy of Leasjo Hall.
Bella has a good time with Annelise, who is sitting on Mrs. Scott’s lap. Image courtesy of Mrs. Scott.
Bella and Henry have a nap together.
Bella cocks her head as if asking, “Are you listening?” Image courtesy of Leasjo Hall.
Kat and I, plus Boo and Bella, walk down a hallway at the local hospital. Image courtesy of Bill Hanrahan.