BellaBoo

Okay so I am getting accustomed to LA!! What’s not to love…Right? The D.W.A. (Dogs with Attitude) not so in love or used to the LA scene yet! These suburban pups are not feeling this new city life. So in order to get them acclimated I decided to take them down to the beach for a leisurely afternoon stroll. This was strategic on my part for two reasons. #1. I knew there wouldn’t be too many people out and about with their dogs since it was during the middle of a weekday and #2. It would be a great time to show off the new pawkerchiefs my Motherdear, grandmother, sent me from her BellaBoo, dog accessory, line. What? A dog has to accessorize too! Besides, Bella and Boo make the cutest little doggy models! Before I tell you about this experience, let’s rewind because some of you don’t know Bella and Boo, and could therefore use some background.

Boo is a 4lb Yorkshire Terrier, in his spare time he relaxes on coffee tables and he also enjoys dancing the Paso Doble (latin inspired bull fighting dance). Bella is a Maltese (well at least we think she is, we never saw her paperwork) from the Southside of Indianapolis. No offense “Naptown” but she is a little hood! And you know what they say…you can take the girl out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the girl. Bella, despite her humble beginnings, has since been living in house with her own room and huge backyard that was all her own. Needless to say she is spoiled rotten and she doesn’t like to share one bit. She makes it very clear tha your lap and personal space belong to her. These two together have no manners, and one would think no home training whatsoever when they go out in public. When it comes to other dogs, they are big time BULLIES! They don’t discriminate…small or large; it doesn’t matter! They think they can bark and beat down any dog any time! You would think they were Pitbulls!! Now you can see how moving into an apartment with other dogs in a city where well-socialized dogs roam free, unleashed, and with no cares in the world poses a problem for these two tough guys! Or poses a problem for me anyways.

So…our journey begins, we head outside and both of them immediately have this attitude like don’t let the cute fool ya! We are casually walking pretending not to notice all of the “oohs” and “ahhs” when I feel leash get tight. I see Bella’s neck get long, her front legs go up, and I know that she has spotted another canine. The “oohs” and “ahhs” turn to “oh my’s” as she starts barking uncontrollably! I begin to pull the leash and tell her to behave. She of course doesn’t listen. The innocent, playful, and harmless Maltipoo looks up like “what did I do?” The owner asks if she can bring her pup closer to get them better acquainted as if to help, and I tell her that is probably not such a good idea. Mr. Boo on the other hand remained cool, calm, and collective! I thought to myself let’s continue to walk or it won’t be fair to Boo! We did and we walked well for a few more blocks uninterrupted when I spotted our next challenge. A lady was walking with a full-grown Pitbull!! I thought to myself, Bella wouldn’t dare! Just incase, I walked slowly behind the lady and when she stopped, I stopped…I couldn’t have been more wrong, Bella started to challenge the Pitbull! She started barking uncontrollably again until the Pitbull finally turned around like enough is enough! He gave her the Nancy Pelosi, I can’t believe you just did that look, and Bella finally got silent (Boo by the way was still quite the little gentleman) After two other altercations, we finally make it to the beach. We found a good spot under a palm tree, in a somewhat shaded area and the three of us laid down. It was great to relax (if only for a moment), stare into the open sky, let our heart rates come down a bit, and take in our new life. We knew in our peace that we were about to embark (pun intended) on a new journey and that it would take some getting used to and we are definitely up for the challenge…Well at least Boo and I were… 20 minutes later an unleashed Chocolate Lab was heading our way! I put on a small pony show for Bella to divert her attention, but it didn’t work! The dog was getting closer and closer and Bella got angrier and angrier! I didn’t know what to do! Do I put Bella down, let them duke it out, and chance a Michael Vick sentence or do I make a run for it? Before I made any sudden move, the dog was called over by his owner to meet two well-behaved furry friends his own size. Just like that, he forgot all about us. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to take any more chances and we headed back home. I was so proud of Mr. Boo for being well behaved and adjusting to his surroundings, but I also realized for some of us this new life will take a little longer to get use to!! What helps you and/or your loved ones adjust to new surroundings? Please comment!

XOXO

Amber