The Newest Bellacera
It was bound to happen. We have a new addition to the Bellacera family—a black
lab/huskie mix puppy! His name is Cooper, and he has one blue eye and one
black eye.
We haven’t had a dog in the family since our beloved Golden Retriever, Kai, died
back in 2003. But I’ve known for a long time that Frank really wanted another
one. Me? I wasn’t so sure. Being without a dog for so long reminded
me of just how much a responsibility having one is. You know how much we like
to travel. And with a cat, it’s easy. You just put out a bunch of cat
food, trusting she’s not going to eat herself to death, and hope the litter box
doesn’t get so filthy that she’ll stop using it. With a dog, you can’t do
that. So, the travel thing was a big part of not getting another dog.
Still, my kids kept reminding me how much Frank likes to play with Leah’s dogs,
Bailey and Yukon. And when my sister, Kathy, came to visit with her dog, Jasper,
last Christmas, Frank went into withdrawal after they left. So I knew it was
just a matter of time before we brought a puppy into our home.
This is how it happened. On Sunday, we joined our son, Stephen, and his girlfriend,
Jo, for an outing to Cooper Vineyards near Lake Anna. The winery has an annual
event in honor of their dog, Lucy, where they invite the Richmond SPCA out for a
weekend to find homes for dogs and cats. Stephen and Jo had been thinking
about getting a couple of cats, so they brought along a carrier with them.
Now, I knew it was entirely possible that Frank would find a dog that he’d fall
in love with—and that’s exactly what happened. One look at that cutie with
the mis-matched eyes, we were both done for.
And so far, so good. Cooper is two months old, and he’s really smart.
He’s already learned the word “sit.” And he’s (cross fingers) only had one
accident in the house so far. The only big problem, though, is Ruby, our ten-year-old
cat. Let’s just say that Ruby is not a happy camper about this new occupant
in her territory. Big surprise! I knew this was going to be a challenge
because every time Kathy came to visit with her dog and cat, Ruby became our reclusive
upstairs cat. But I was hoping if we kept Cooper barricaded in the family
room for a period, she’d eventually come to accept him. Not only has that
not happened (and yes, it’s been only four days), but she won’t even walk past
the gate to get to her litter box in the laundry room. Now, that’s
a problem! So it looks like I’m going to have to bring the litter box upstairs—and
I really didn’t want to have to do that!
Why can’t they all just get along????
I don’t know why Ruby has to be such a drama queen. If anyone has any suggestions,
I’m open to them. J
If you’d like to see Frank’s pictures of Cooper, check out my MySpace page and click
on photos labeled “Cooper.”
http://www.myspace.com/carolebellacera
Well, I saved the best news for last. And it’s BIG!!!!!! I’m going to
be a grandma!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, Leah is pregnant—and Frank and I are beside ourselves with excitement.
The baby is due on November 4th (so as you can imagine, I’ll have more
things on my mind than the presidential race.) She and Zac have decided not
to find out the sex of the baby, and although I totally understand that, I’m going
crazy trying to hold myself back from shopping. I see so many cute things
out there for babies, but almost everything is in pink and blue. Well, I guess
it’s probably a good thing they’ve decided to wait and find out the gender
in the delivery room. Otherwise, I’d probably put Frank in the poorhouse with
all my shopping. J This
is our first grandchild, you know. And no, of course we won’t
spoil her…or him. (I have a gut feeling it will be a girl.)
Grandma Carole. That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Congratulations to Sara Wilson from Blacksburg, VA, my May website contest winner.
Stop by my webpage and enter this month’s contest.
www.CaroleBellacera.com.
Oh, one more thing before I go…YAY for DAVID COOK!!!!!!!!!!!! I was so thrilled
when he won American Idol. I, for one, can’t wait to buy his CD.
Blessings,
Carole
June 2008