Hi! I’m Bella Mae Sheerney, a German Shepard cross who has spent the last 9 months of my life living with my Fairy Dog-Mothers at Gypsy Cove. I don’t really remember the first 11 weeks of my life, I know I was hanging with my brothers and sisters before heading to the RSPCA where I met these two on Easter Sunday. Let me tell you, that was an emotional day for all involved.
So 12 months in… Thought I’d share some Bella Mae learnings:
- Walking is pretty sweet, running is super fun! Especially if there is someone chasing you, or there’s a bird. Cutting loops in the grass is a fun way to spend time with my buddies at the dog park. Sometimes I like to do my own agility training in the back yard. Got to keep those pupsters on their paws when it comes to chasing my rope at the park.
- The rake/broom/vacuum cleaner/anything out of the ordinary should be approached with caution. Even if it’s not moving as you approach it, caution is always a good place to start.
- Smiling and showing general interest in strangers typically gets you positive attention. It can be challenging to realise not everyone wants to be your friend. I just walk it off and go smell something more interesting.
- Chalky people who are sweaty usually taste pretty good and will often sit and play rope with me. I consider ‘tug rope’ or ‘rope fetch’ an integral part of their warm up/recovery – I like the climbing community.
- I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER!!!
- Rick will happily share his chair if I instigate cuddles by jumping on him whilst he sits there.
- Yoga and mediation are much better with two – I believe I enhance the FDM practice and elevate their efforts towards transcendence.
- Bill will give me treats from the farm when he comes over – the Christmas ham bone was epic!
- Water is good to swim in, carefully, best to keep your head out at all costs though. Beach or creek, either is fine. I do enjoy a good swim post hike.
- Rope is life.
I love my FDMs, they each let me get away with something special. They take me on adventures, make sure I eat all the good dog biscuits and let me try things like ice-cubes and banana. Ohhh! Watermelon, how good is watermelon? Parsley? I once tried that, it made my breath super fresh when I ate the bush in the garden. It’s important to get your greens.
In the 12 months I’ve been around, life has been grand. I get to protect my yard, get visits from my neighbours (who sometimes give me cheese), I chat to others as they wander past my house. I nap a lot, get a lot of cuddles and am generally told I’m very well behaved for a pup. It’s a pretty sweet existence.
Bring on the bones of the next twelve months!
Bxo