Bella goes to school...

Ok, I'm going to do this to get my emotions out but it's not going to be easy. Last night was very stressful for our family. (Not as in the 'big, eternal' picture of things, but on a much smaller scale of being dog owners). Where should I begin? Ok, so we enrolled Bella in an 'basic obedience' class in town because we want her to be 'more mindful' especially with the baby coming in the fall. And we have heard great things about a place about 1 mile down the road. Soooooooo last night was our first class. Everything was going fine for about 30 minutes. Then the black dog you see in the picture decides it wants to growl at Bella during a 'come' command...well Bella would not have it and growled the most 'satanistic' growl we've EVER heard come out of her mouth and they kind of tangled up. Well, I was taking it easy b/c Bella is a 95 lb. workout--and with being pregnant it's not wise to be jerking her around, etc. But at that moment I did have a hold of her...wow...Forrest jumped out of his chair and before I knew what happened... Bella was on the ground...with blood on her mouth :( We're still not sure if the other dog clawed or bit her but anyway...it was there. HOW EMBARRASSING RIGHT...? to have the 'bad kid' in class with everyone staring at you! :( Uhhh....I wanted to cryyyyyyyy!!!!!!!)

Well then we go on and the teacher does 1-on1 time with Bella teaching her to heel in a walking circle...well I guess Bella didn't like someone else besides us leading her well she starting jumping at the teacher, nibbling her wrist...well before i know...MORE BLOOD...this time it's not Bella's...the teacher's arm is all scratched up and bleeding!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh! This sounds like a movie right? I wanted to cry (again). But thankfully the teacher understood and was thankful it was just scratches and that she didn't try to BITE her like another dog had tried before with her. By the end of the night--we all agreed the best thing for our Bella was 'private' lessons! So we'll take her to 3 private lessons before we leave town ...the equivalent is supposed to be 3 class sessions = 1 private lesson...so we'll see how it goes. Uhhh...so being a sympathetic mom I just felt sorry for her but Forrest says it's our fault for spoiling her so bad. Anyway...we should have done this a LONG time ago when she was still a puppy. Word to the wise--do this with your puppy sooner than later before they become smart and stubborn and spoiled. We'll keep you posted on Bella's progress...just broke my heart that my 'kid' was the bad one of the group. Truth is... that she is as SWEET AS CAN BE... as her pictures portray and has never bitten anyone or gotten into a fight before. She never meets a stranger and just wants to play with everyone! Just sad she didn't come across like that last night :( Oh well!

Needless to say, Bella is wiped out today and has been laid out on the couch ever since she got home last night until 10am this morning. I know this experience and Bella are only preparing us for life lessons and what's to come with our own child! Here's to loving your pets and children...no matter what :)