Life with Belle

“A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life.”

Should anyone have told me a year ago that I would be a proud slightly neurotic owner of Belle, a female beagle, I would have told them that they were not quite right in the head. Why would I want to own a dog when I in fact was scared and slightly suspicious of them... 

{I blame it on the 3 wild - perhaps even rabid - dogs that chased me while I was riding my bike around the neighborhood causing me to be almost involved in a head on collision with a car. I managed to swerve and avoid the car and started cycling as hard as I to get away from the crazy dogs. Thank God they stopped chasing me after some time.}

It all changed when I met Lou - an adorably cute and loving mini dachshund belonging to my best friend Cats - and Moshi - a mini schnauzer belonging to the one and only Booyah. They were lovely dogs and slowly but surely just like how they wheedled their way into my heart, I found myself looking and being interested in other dogs I saw. 

Pet stores were my new places "to go" whenever I could. I would google images of doggles {I call dogs that sometimes} and wonder what it would be like to have a doggle of my own. I had already made up my mind that I wanted a beagle {They were just so adorable looking and was a mid sized dog which was just nice.} A doggle that would love me unconditionally no matter my IQ level, weight, height, smell, account size. The doggle would greet with a waggy tail, a smile and such love that I would instantly have a good day.

The possibility of actually owning a doggle seemed out of reach because my family was not quite into furry cuddly live things and I was also concerned about the doggle being alone for most of the day when I was at work. So, although I thought about buying a doggle, it was something I thought would never happen.

Then I met Belle.

During a random visit to Desa Park City, Kepong, B and I saw Belle. This little beagle looked lost and tiny in her glass enclosure and I just had to hold her. So the shop assistant placed Belle in my arms and I had to have her. 

This quivering little doggle in my arms was so adorable. Her big chocolatey eyes gazed into mine and I was a goner. She then licked me and I melted into a puddle of mush. B who was there too was taken by this little doggle. But we had to put Belle back because as mentioned above, it was impossible to get the buying of my family to get a doggle.

As God's will goes, I went to Desa Park City the next day again and had to see the little beagle that had taken my heart. My mum was with me as was B, and somehow we got my mother's approval which was a big surprise. Later that evening, when we had reluctantly left Belle in the pet shop, I went home and asked my dad if it was okay to buy a doggle and after much wheedling from my mum, B and I, he said the magic "OK"!

We bundled into the car, hearts thumping and brought Belle home. 

 * My first photo with Belle @ the pet shop *

To be honest, I was not mentally prepared to bring a doggle home. I had not truly thought about the responsibility that came with owning and caring for a doggle. But, emotionally, we were all connected with Belle.

So, here I am today, the proud slightly neurotic owner of Belle, a naughty, sprightly, beautiful, adorable female beagle aged about 5.45 months *super grins*

 * One of Belle's first car rides *

And yes, I totally agree with the quote above ~ “A person who has never owned a dog has missed a wonderful part of life.” I am indeed blessed to have Belle in my life. 

My life for now is full now that  I have a doggle that loves me unconditionally no matter my IQ level, weight, height, smell, account size. A doggle that greets with a super waggly tail, a mischievous smile and such love that I instantly have a good day.

As you probably would have guessed, this blog will chronicle *My Life with Belle*. The ups, the stresses, the frustrations, the smiles and the laughter of owning a beagle called Belle.