Bella

Hello, my name is Bella… and this is the hardest story I’ve ever had to tell.

I’m an 11-year-old girl with soft brown eyes, a gentle heart, and a love for tennis balls that has never faded with age. I might have a few grey hairs now, but my spirit is still as playful and loyal as the day I was found — all those years ago, on the warm streets of Cyprus, by the person who became my whole world.

My Mum found me when I was just a tiny pup, scared and alone. She scooped me up, held me to her chest, and promised me I’d never be unloved again. And she kept that promise for eleven whole years.

We’ve had a beautiful life together — just me and her. I’ve snuggled close to her, followed her around the house like her little shadow, made her laugh with my goofy ball-chasing zoomies, and curled up with her when life felt too heavy. I’m a quiet soul when you first meet me — a bit timid, I won’t lie. But once I know I’m safe with you, I’ll love you with every fibre of my being. That’s who I am.

But now, something’s changed.

My Mum’s health isn’t what it used to be, and it’s breaking her heart — and mine — but she knows she can’t look after me the way I need anymore. She cries when she looks at me. She holds me a little tighter, a little longer. She whispers, “I’m so sorry, Bella,” even though I know she’s done nothing wrong. Sometimes I nuzzle into her, trying to say, “It’s okay, Mum. I understand.”

She says her heart can’t break any more than it already has. And maybe mine can’t either.

But she made me another promise: that she would find me someone new. Someone who will love me, gently and truly, for the rest of my days. Someone who will throw me a ball (again and again and again — I’ll bring it right back, I promise!), take things slow if I need time, and let me be the little shadow I was born to be.

If you’re reading this, maybe that someone… is you.

I don’t need much — just a soft bed, a safe home, and a heart I can trust. I’ve got so much love still to give. I just need someone to give it to.

Let me love you.

With all my heart,
Bella 🐾