The Holidays with Bella

Bella, our dog will be celebrating her 14th Christmas with us this year.  I wonder how far back she can remember our holidays together.  I remember her as puppy, getting into everything!  I remember how hard it was to potty train her.  She was terribly cute and we probably let her get away with too many things.  She was the first dog I really ever owned and cared for.  Along with my husband, this was our first "child" that we cared for as a couple.  We had so many bad habits with her, like letting her sleep with us.  After she got bigger, it was harder to tell who's bed it was - hers or ours? 

I am so glad that our baby knows her.  For some reason, Bella never got attached to our eldest daughter who is now 7.  She lets the baby grab her, hug her, and kiss her.  It is too adorable.  I hope she stays healthy until the baby is older and can remember her more.

I know Bella's ultimate Christmas gift would be for us to allow her on the couch (or perhaps our bed again).  The problem is she has no boundaries and would likely take advantage of the situation.  I think I'll buy her a new comfy bed instead.  She's a great believer in good bones, so I'll probably get her some bones as well. 

I hope there are many more years with Bella, our first "child".