Bella came to B.O.N.E.S. needing a new home. She had been greatly loved, but needed special attention to learn house training and overcome some fears. Loving, very smart, and having lots of energy, she made good progress while being fostered.
She was adopted by Vic and Nancy, who volunteer at hospitals, elderly centers, and schools. Bella showed her smarts by passing a series of training classes. She achieved Pet Therapy certification in 2016. Vic and Nancy will share stories about their experiences with Bella on this page.
You can also follow Bella on Facebook.
For most children and adults in America, the month of September signifies the return to school. Traditionally, the return to school occurs on the Monday after Labor Day. Summer adventures, beach excursions, youth sports, and staying up late come to an end. Back to "reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic" and the teacher's encouraging words. (Can't say "dirty looks," Vic being a former educator!)
To parents, teachers, bus drivers, and crossing guards, their daily routines reflect the demands of the school schedule and their own personal or professional responsibilities. For others, thoughts about NFL Football, 9/11, raking leaves, or closing the pool occupy their thoughts.
To Bella, the summer schedule provided many enjoyable moments and new adventures. If you've followed Bella on Facebook (see link above), you're aware that Team Bella walked in a different Rhode Island town or city weekly throughout the summer. We savored and enjoyed the delightful treasures of West Greenwich, West Warwick, Coventry, Johnston, Exeter, Portsmouth, Middletown, Tiverton, Little Compton, Warren, East Providence, and Jamestown. A short vacation in Cape Cod's Falmouth Heights at the end of August marked the end of the Team's summer.
A daily visit to a local marina park provided Bella time to take in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the marina and Upper Pond. She enjoyed the aromas of the nearby oyster bar, the colorful visions of the sailing classes, the boaters, and the other dogs.
There were also the weekly Farmer's Market and the Summer Concert Series. Bella had a favorite park bench reserved to take in all the action.
The one activity missing over the summer was Team Bella's Therapy Dog's visits to the two Rhode Island Hospitals. Summer was fun, but the therapy work is really what makes Team Bella tick! The yearning for the satisfaction gained by the smiles, positive feelings, and moments of peace and serenity for the patients and employees of Kent County and Miriam Hospitals when we visit far surpasses the summer frolics.
The Therapy Team visits resume in mid-September. We'll share a few stories of some dog-owning employees whom we meet. As you know, every dog has a story. It will be our quest to discover a few that you might enjoy. In the meantime, watch those football games, close the pool, and purchase those leaf bags.
