Our 5th and 6th Children

Our children on 4 legs have really become part of the family. Jazmin is an old veteran of course...I've had her since Christmas, 1996 before we got married. Joseph gave her to me as a Christmas present, so Cyrus would have a friend (Cyrus has since passed from a brain tumor). Since then, we have tried many other puppies over the years to try and get Jazmin a friend. However, Jazmin wasn't having it! She would fight with any dog that came through the backyard. She wasn't too bad when they were puppies because the puppies would usually back down to her. But as they got bigger and started to stick up for themselves, fights broke out making it was very scary. We didn't want anything happening to the dogs, but more importantly the kids. Especially Jacob who thought he could jump in the middle of them and break them up. Jazmin has really become protective of Jacob...they're new best friends...which I think caused some of the fights over the years.Anyway, we continued to try new puppies and new puppies hoping it would eventually work out. I had almost given up...but Madelyn kept bugging and bugging me about a small puppy...she's always wanted a dog that stayed "small." We finally gave in and found what we were told was a Teacup Poodle! She was so little, but so playful and immediately took a liking to Jazmin. Jazmin, of course, had to show her who was boss...but she didn't care. She just wanted a friend to play with and continued to bug Jazmin the best way she knew how.

I am so happy to know that, for the first time in 5 years, Jazmin has finally found a new best friend. At 12 years old, Bella has really brought the child back into Jazmin. It is quite entertaining watching them play in the backyard. I think it's so important for a dog to have another 4 legged friend...especially for the times when we're not home. They get along so well now it's amazing. You can't even tell Jazmin is 12 and nearly blind. She will play and chase the ball and chase Bella all around the yard. Hopefully it has given Jazmin at least another 3-4 good years.

As you can see from the pictures, Bella is NOT the Teacup Poodle we were told. In fact, she is only 8 months old and will probably grow a little more still. The lady that sold her to me obviously lied to me. I've often thought of calling her about it, but decided I'd just leave it alone. We were told from the petstore that she could possibly be a Maltee-Poo...part Maltese, part Poodle. I guess we'll never really know... Thank goodness we still love Bella the same. In fact, it's probably worked out for the best, since she is not so "breakable" now...for the sake of her safety.

The other night the kids decided to run through the sprinklers. They were having so much fun Bella decided to join them. She looked so pathetic when she got wet, I just had to take some pictures.

Jazmin didn't care to get wet, while Bella attacked the water and played and played. She may have been having more fun than the kids. It was hilarious to watch her play...

Then into the shower she went with the kids. And came out as clean as a whistle, and as happy as can be. It's amazing this is the same dog...

We love our Bella!