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The Dog My Partner Didn’t Want
Our aging Boxer, my children’s cherished companion, was nearing the end of her battle with cancer. We’d had numerous discussions about death and farewells, yet my kids were still heartbroken. Wanting them to feel involved in the process, I asked them: Would you prefer to get a puppy now, while she’s still around, to help with the transition; adopt one right after her passing; or wait a bit? They unanimously chose to welcome a puppy to ease the shift. My partner had tentatively agreed to the idea. In principle. In a vague conversational way: “Sure, that sounds reasonable.” He knew I was browsing for puppies online.
An SPCA about sixty miles away had some promising options. So, on a rainy day in February, just before the pandemic struck, we drove along winding state roads to a bright, inviting facility that showcased the puppy we liked. She bounded straight to my kids, eager to play. “That one,” I declared. “Her. No need to show us any more.”
And so we brought home a small, all-black German Shepherd mix. The kids named her Bella, inspired by their favorite video game character. I named her Bella after the character from a beloved novel. It worked out perfectly.
My Partner Came Home to Find Her
We hadn’t really prepared him, and I hadn’t really called him, so when my partner walked in from work, he found our kids gleefully engaged in a tug-of-war with the new pup, while our Boxer ignored her presence and our other German Shepherds looked on with forlorn expressions. (Note: In hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend this approach—bringing a dog into the family is a significant commitment, and everyone should be in agreement beforehand. But I digress.)
“What have you done?” he exclaimed.
I pulled him into another room. “We decided to let the kids dictate their grieving process, and this is what they chose. I won’t take that away from them.” I crossed my arms and used serious language.
He sighed. “Alright. So we have a puppy now.”
He wasn’t thrilled about the new addition, who needed vaccinations, spaying, toys, and everything else that comes with a young dog. However, he admitted she was adorable and seemed to bond well with the kids, which was what mattered most.
I’d Never Owned A Dominant Dog…
My big German Shepherd, who weighs as much as I do, is a gentle giant. Our raccoon-German Shepherd mix, who joined us after an uncertain past, is a sweet and affectionate cuddle bug (though the kids avoid cuddling with him for reasons unknown). Our Boxer was the epitome of joyfulness.
But the puppy? She was 100% dominant.
Bella strutted around as if she owned the house. She barked whenever she wanted attention, food, or just felt like it. The incessant barking was a surprise; I’d never dealt with a barker before. My head throbbed, but my kids adored her.
My partner remained doubtful. He liked Bella; she was kind and good with the kids. But he still wasn’t sure that bringing her home had been wise. She did help the kids cope when our Boxer passed, but he remained unconvinced.
Then Bella Became A Pandemic Dog
The pandemic hit just two weeks after we welcomed Bella into our lives. Suddenly, we were stuck at home. The puppy had our full attention 24/7. Since my partner was feeding her, she particularly craved his presence. While we kept her out of his room during his virtual teaching sessions, she was ecstatic when he emerged between classes.
Bella wanted to be with us constantly, so naturally, she wanted to sleep with us. Unable to bear the thought of crating her, she snuggled on our bed, a warm puppy nestled behind my partner’s bent knees.
Our only outings became walks around the neighborhood, and my partner began taking Bella along. She thrived on those adventures. The word “walk” became forbidden. He threatened to substitute it with “Walkies!” while I jokingly threatened to leave him.
As we settled into the pandemic reality, Bella not only kept our kids happy but also became a source of relief for my partner, who felt lost without in-person teaching. She helped bridge the gap of disconnection with her antics—barking, digging holes, and her amusing habit of climbing on furniture, which we dubbed “mountain goating.” Honestly, the dog was a handful, but she was also a source of laughter.
Bella gave my partner an excuse to stroll around the neighborhood. “The dog needs a walk,” he’d say and head out. Before long, Bella needed more exercise, leading to her spiraling excitement whenever she saw him in athletic clothes. Sneakers, shorts, and headphones sent her into a frenzy of joy. During their walks, my partner would chat with her non-stop. “I feel like that crazy old man talking to himself,” he’d say. “But I explain everything—squirrels, cats, trees.”
Bella Loves My Partner Best
Bella is technically the kids’ dog. When she misbehaves, my partner teases me: “She’s your responsibility. You signed the adoption papers.” But in reality, the dog has become my partner’s in all her noisy, mountain-goating glory. I nicknamed her Princess Bella because her attitude mirrors that of a spoiled diva, which made my 10-year-old laugh so hard he nearly wheezed.
Now that my partner is back to teaching in person, Bella has learned to associate work attire with his absence. She lays on his feet as he gets dressed, steals his shoes, and even tries to tug at his socks while he puts them on.
She whines when he leaves and rushes to greet him when he returns. My partner cuddles with her on the couch; she sleeps with us and brings him joy amid the pandemic’s challenges. “This dog is the best gift I never intended to receive,” he once told me.
He will deny he ever said that.
I thought I was bringing Bella into our family for my kids. She indeed plays with them, sleeps in my youngest’s bed half the time, and enjoys roughhousing with them. Little did I realize that I was truly adopting her for my partner. “You’ve fulfilled my need for a small, fun-loving dog,” he tells me.
Then they head out for “walkies.”
For more insightful stories, check out this post from our blog. You might also find useful information at Make a Mom, an authority on the subject. Additionally, for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Healthline.
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Summary
In this heartfelt narrative, Sarah Thompson shares her experience of adopting a puppy, Bella, during a challenging time when her family’s beloved Boxer was nearing the end of her life. After discussing the need for a new pet with her children, who were grieving, Sarah and her partner brought Bella home, despite his initial reluctance. As they navigated the pandemic, Bella became a cherished member of the family, bringing joy and laughter while helping to ease the family’s emotional struggles. Ultimately, Sarah discovers that the puppy has formed a special bond with her partner, unexpectedly fulfilling his need for companionship during difficult times.
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