The Journey to Bella

Day 6: Bella's Gotcha Day: 

I'm writing this from the desk of the hotel as I impatiently wait for it to be time to head to NMDR to pick up Bella. The Rescue doesn't open until Noon, so there is no reason to leave the hotel as yet; but, all is packed and I'm ready to check out.

Bella was spayed yesterday and she had a dental exam. The report I received said she had 14 teeth removed and seven were already gone, leaving her with 20 healthy teeth. For a rescue from a Puppy Mill, that's a goodly number. (By the time Georgie came my way, he had only 4 teeth.) A dog's teeth are for tearing and protection, as most of the digestion process for a dog occurs in the stomach. I'm sure Bella will have a pretty smile!

When I arrive at the Rescue, I'll sign the adoption contract, take care of the fees and we'll be sent on our way well-prepared for travel. Bella will be wearing the National Mill Dog tag on her collar; I will add other tags once I get home.

I'm excited, a bit anxious (Traveling with a dog that a week ago was living in deplorable conditions will be a challenge, but, we'll learn as we go). March 16, 2021 will be forever Bella's Gotcha Day! (appearing on my calendar between the birthdays of

Jon Hayenga

and

Mary Beth Smith Lampe

and my nephews Ryan and Brennan Badders).

Photos will be added to this post as soon as I have the opportunity to do so. Wish Bella and me luck as we drive back to Minneapolis, a newly bonded pair. Wyndris here we come!

Updated: Bella and I left Peyton, CO at 12:30pm and pulled into Salina, Kansas at 7:30pm, 6:30pm the time we had been on ... We drove about 400 miles in all. I stopped several times for her to pee and poop, but nothing's happened yet. It could be the anesthetic from the two surgeries yesterday. I am going to have to be extra gentle around her. She is only a week out of a Puppy Mill.

Day 7: The Final Leg:

Bella and I made 400 miles after her adoption yesterday. She was a good traveler, though I think if she could, she’d like to be propped up in my arm while I drive, so she can see the sights. At 8lbs, she’s small enough to do that, but I doubt my arm would hold up for the final 600 miles.

My little girl is not eating or drinking yet. I’m hoping it’s only the effects of her two surgeries on Monday, but it could also be the newness of having a forever home, one that is still aways away .. . I made regular stops; but, she’s not housebroken or leash-trained, it’s going to take time for her to figure out what “potty time” means when I say it.

I made a rookie mistake yesterday afternoon. When I’d let Bella out of the car previously, she'd just stood there. I stopped at a Shell gas station about 250 miles from Salina, Kansas (where we spent last night); I sat her down and she trotted off. I caught her, but she’s 7lbs of quick. I actually fell on the concrete when she made one of her acute turns. I got up quickly and captured her. (She had run only a couple of feet when I was flat on the ground and waited for me. You can bet your sweet ass I learned from that mistake. It won’t happen again. Like I said - rookie mistake.

The plan is to feed Bella in the morning, load up the car and head for Minneapolis. Despite the snow storm in Colorado Springs, it’s been a good vacation. In the moment, the mileage can feel tedious, but covering new ground, choosing and adopting Bella has been a wonderful lead-in to my birthday on Monday.

Bella is the most wondrous gift any man could wish for on their birthday. This trip was so worth the time, money and effort. Thanks to the folks at NMDR and my friend Maggie for helping me find my little girl. I am furever grateful!
 

AND thanks to everyone who traveled along with me as I made the 2064 mile Trip to Bella! I think she's gonna like it here!