Bella

Melanie Dogan

Bella

Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi
50mm (prime)
f/1.8
1/250
ISO 200

My beautiful girl, Bella…

In May 2008, I received an e-mail from a good friend who had been forwarded a forward of an e-mail. The subject of that e-mail was PUPPIES!!!! (8 6-wk old puppies need loving homes)... My husband and I had still been mourning the loss of our 13 year old border collie named Patches… we met just after I received Patches as a birthday gift and she signified our relationship, so it was hard letting her go. She was a wonderful dog…

But I LOVE puppies, so I just had to open that e-mail and of course they were ALL cute, but there was one that caught my attention immediately and was the cutest puppy I had ever seen!

Actual photo from the e-mail:

I told my husband we HAD to go get her! He was hesitant at first, wasn’t sure we were ready to move on… I said we could just go look! I really wanted to meet her and hold her! Before someone else scooped her up, who couldn’t love her???

So, he reluctantly drove me 30+ miles at almost 10pm to go see her! The foster parents were college aged kids, so they didn’t mind the late hour. I gave all the puppies a good look, but I still wanted my first choice. At that point, no one had claimed any of them! We stayed for about 2 hours playing with all the puppies and then I talked my husband into taking her home for the weekend after they suggested it.

We NEVER took her back :D I knew he would fall in love with her. :) We went back to get all of her information and to find out more about her mother, etc. Bella was the first puppy adopted :). We found out her mom is a Boxer mix and they were fostering the mother after they found out she was pregnant at the pound, so they took her home and helped her through the birthing process. They successfully found homes for all 8 puppies, including the one they kept.

Then we had to decide on a name… she was the most beautiful puppy I had ever seen, so I immediately thought of Bella. We talked over hundreds of names but Bella just kept popping back into my head… Bella turned a year old in March 2009 and we’re both happy I received, opened and responded to that e-mail 8 months earlier! :)

Wow! Bella won the Mutts challenge and has been featured (6 times!!!!) in: Backyard Macro and Closeups + Paws N Claws + Pets Are Us + Nuts about MUTTS + Mutts and Our K9 Friend

Matt Mawson offered to draw Bella and put her on a T-shirt that he is selling on his page, I think he did a wonderful job!

Bella belongs to the following groups:

! 100% !, **FOCUS and LIGHTING**, *A Beautiful Blur, All Animals Great And Small., All of North Carolina, All Pets Great and Small, Animal Kingdom, Animal Portraits, Canon DSLR (One Image Per Day & A Canon Camera Must Be In The Description Before It's Accepted), Cats and Dogs (1 artwork per day), Cee's Fun Artsy Friends (no holidays cards or snapshots please), Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Depth Of Field (2 images per day) - Read Group Rules Please, Digital Photography, DSLR Users Only - 1/24 - Camera & Lens In Description Please., Everyday Life, For the love of Canon - 2 Images per day with type of Canon camera used, Freedom to Shine, Just Pure Nature., Live, Love, Dream: May you have a Blessed Christmas Season , Mans Best Friend's (Dogs only), Mutts, Nuts about MUTTS *2 PHOTOS per day*, Our K9 Friend 1 image a day (Dogs only), Paws n Claws <3 per day><Domestic cats & dogs only>, Pets Are Us ~ 2 per day, phoDOGraphy, Playful Photogenic Animals, Rescued Pets, The Addicted Photographerâ–º2 Per Dayâ—„, The Woman Photographer **7 Submissions a week only please** and Unlimited Quality Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
Bella by Melanie Dogan
  • raindancerwoman

    raindancerwoman

    very cute :)

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    :)

  • LudaNayvelt

    LudaNayvelt

    so cute, excellent shot

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    that’s my sweet girl—thanks! :)

  • stephaniek

    stephaniek

    hahaha….............what a cute shot and love her BIG smile!! lol.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    thank you! :)

  • Cee Neuner

    Cee Neuner

    What a wonderful smile and so adorable.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    thanks very much! :D

  • Richard George

    Richard George

    That is one cool happy dog…must be fun to have around. Great expression.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you for your compliments Richard! She is insane with energy and can be a little feisty, but is a very good, sweet girl! :)

  • Cheri Perry

    Cheri Perry

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you Cheri—what an honor! :)

  • Patty Boyte

    Patty Boyte

    Bella is beyond beautiful, what a sweet smile!!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you so much Patty! Appreciate the compliment :)

  • Matt Mawson

    Matt Mawson

    that’s what I love about JRs … their infectious happy faces

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    :)

  • Peter Lessey

    Peter Lessey

    This has got to be the happiest looking dog I have ever seen. Excellent capture Melanie.
    Congratulations to you both on the Feature.
    - Peter

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Peter! She’s happy up until the minute everything’s not going her way! She is pretty controlling, but we love her :D

  • JacquiK

    JacquiK

    Seeing this has really brightened up my day. Cant stop smiling.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Awwww, Jacqui! That is great—thank you for sharing!

  • Debbie Meyers

    Debbie Meyers

    My dog has a friend named Bella too. This is so cute. Great portrait. Congrats on being featured.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Debbie! Bella seems to be more popular than I realized, but I thought it accurately described her :)

  • shadyuk

    shadyuk

    Great shot, Congratulations !

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks again! Appreciate it! :)

  • PhotoAvenue

    PhotoAvenue

    Sooooo cute!
    Great capture!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you very much! :)

  • Jolie

    Jolie

    a ha ha, what a great smile!!!!!!!
    Simply Adorable.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you, Jolie! :)

  • TREVOR IRWIN

    TREVOR IRWIN

    Bella is so beautiful. What a happy doggy and really looks like she loves to model. nice composition and focus. http://www.philadelphia33.org/

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Trevor! Actually, whenever I pull out the camera, she runs away, I got lucky with a few shots :)

  • micmac

    micmac

    SUPERB PORTRAIT…SHE’S ADORABLE…CONGRATS ON YOUR WIN!!!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks so much, for all your comments! :)

  • Susanne Correa

    Susanne Correa

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Awesome!! Thanks :)

  • VanillaDolphin

    VanillaDolphin

    Congrats on your win =)

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you! Appreciate it :D

  • Mark Elshout

    Mark Elshout

    I can see the similarities between Bella and the puppy you commented on with my shots!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    They’re both adorable :)

  • Joyce Dickens, IPA

    Joyce Dickens,...

    Stunning image and such a beautiful pup!!! Love the title and your story!!!!!!!! xx JD

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Hi Joyce! Thank you so much for your comments! She is my baby :)

  • dmarie

    dmarie

    excellent shot…she’s beautiful and how lucky all 3 of you are!!! What a little sweetie…animals rock!!! They are so special!!! :-) Dawn

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you very much, I apprecaite your comments and totally agree! :)

  • Chris Clark

    Chris Clark

    beautiful and cute, fantastic capture

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you, Chris! :)

  • Ken Boxsell

    Ken Boxsell

    Gotta luv that expression….

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Yes, she’s a happy girl :)

  • tamanna

    tamanna

    OK OK straight to the favourites with this one :) Yes I have lost my heart

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Very cool! Thanks :) .. lost what?

  • itsallgoodamanda

    itsallgoodamanda

    great shot, he looks so happy !

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks! :)

  • Robin Webster

    Robin Webster

    I love this! I would totally expect to see this shot used in a dog food ad! I don’t think I have ever seen a happier looking dog!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Wow! Thanks Robin! :)

  • Aquarelle

    Aquarelle

    What a happy looking dog! They look loved and loving in return! I love the puppy shot too, I am seeing puppies tomorrow but hope I manage to come home without one! I have two already so a third would be a handful but I adore this capture and your narrative which shows so much love for your pets. As well as your talent with a camera.

    Jean

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you Jean, she is very loved and spoiled :D. Did you end up coming home with or without a puppy?! I really appreciate you comments! :)

  • Ted Petrovits

    Ted Petrovits

    what a lucky and happy dog, great shot

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Ted! :)

  • SKNickel

    SKNickel

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Awesome! Thank you :)

  • gabbielizzie

    gabbielizzie

    congradulations on your feature

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks again Gabbie—I appreciate all your comments! :)

  • Noelene Davies

    Noelene Davies

    Stunning and beautiful capture of your gorgeous dog Bella.Congratulations on your features.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you so much Noelene! :)

  • ienemien

    ienemien

    Beautiful!! Great!! Adorabele, lovely!!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you! :)

  • Charuhas Images

    Charuhas Images

    Cute and beautiful. Great capture !!!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you! :D

  • CraigsMom

    CraigsMom

    Gorgeous dog…you captured her beautifully! Please consider adding this to Nuts about MUTTS

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks so much! I have added her to the group now (awaiting approval) – thanks! :)

  • CanonBall-II

    CanonBall-II


    This is probably the happiest dog I have ever seen! Bob

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Very cool – thanks!!! :)

  • Linda Costello Hinchey

    Linda Costello...

    He’s looks like a real character! Great photo! And congratulations on you feature!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you, Linda!! :)

  • Alex Gardiner

    Alex Gardiner

    “bella” She is the lucky one.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Alex! :)

  • JGimages

    JGimages

    Adorable portrait.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    hey there – thanks! :)

  • lorilee

    lorilee

    Such a happy face – - – ADORABLE!!!!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks again lorilee! :)

  • Brian Dodd

    Brian Dodd

    Great Photo!!!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Brian!!! :)

  • Barbara Morrison

    Barbara Morrison

    Great shot! What a happy dog!

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks Barbara! She is :D

  • ronaldok555

    ronaldok555

    Very cute dog, looks like she has a ton of personality. That’s quite the smile.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks very much! She is full of life and energy! :)

  • Nancy Stafford

    Nancy Stafford

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Hi Nancy – thanks so much! That is awesome to be featured :)

  • Margaret Harris

    Margaret Harris

    What a great capture…Your Bella is beautiful..Congrats !

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you so much Margaret! I appreciate your comments :)

  • JaninesWorld

    JaninesWorld

    Oh what a happy little girl Bella is, she is sooooo gorgeous! I read your info on here about Bella it was so interesting, and I get the idea that you intended to go and get her no matter what haha, I dont blame you she is a treasure. Beautiful capture this is one you will always treasure. So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful Patches, I know what that is like, it is soooo hard, god bless your little girl, and your family. Enjoy her I know you will. XXX

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Wow! Thank you so much for your compliments, she is a very good and beautiful girl :) .. I did intend to get her, I just couldn’t let my husband know that! :D Thanks again!

  • JaninesWorld

    JaninesWorld

    haha, I know where you are coming from, we dont always have to say what we intend to do, do we X

  • Yool

    Yool

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Awesome, what an honor! Thanks!! :)

  • David Silsbury

    David Silsbury

    Great image, well done and congratulations on being featured.
    David

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you so much David!! :)

  • barnsis

    barnsis

    Congratulations on this feature in
    Backyard Macros & Closeups

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you very much, I appreciate it! :)

  • leonie7

    leonie7

    beautiful

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks! :)

  • Bellavista2

    Bellavista2

    I am in Love!xoxoxoxo And with a name like Bella…well:=} Great capture of personality, her eyes are full of I just want to get out and play! Pass on her favourite dog treat and belly scratch…From Bellavista:=}xoxoxooxox

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Wow, Ann-maree, thanks so much for your comments! Awww, glad you like her, I’m sure she’d LOVE to play with you! :)

  • Martina Fagan

    Martina Fagan

    A stunning shot great story too:))

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks so much Martina! I appreciate it :D

  • William Bullimore

    William Bullimore

    Such a cutie. Fantastic.

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you William! :)

  • Wanda-Lynn

    Wanda-Lynn

    Excellent capture and Great portrait!! Congratulations on being featured…

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you, Thank you! I appreciate your comments, they mean a lot! :)

  • TickerGirl

    TickerGirl

    What a beautiful dog. And that wide smile on her face tells me that not only she is lucky but very happy too! :)

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you so much for your comments! We love her lots :D

  • FelicityB

    FelicityB

    Congratulations on your multiple features! This little girl is so alert and happy she’s beaming :))

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks again Felicity!! I really do appreciate your comments :)

  • seawhisper

    seawhisper

    Awww what a happy face!!! :)

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you! She’s a wonderful girl :)

  • B4Real

    B4Real

    that dog is human :)

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    she certainly thinks she is!! :)

  • nishagandhi

    nishagandhi

    cute

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    thanks! :)

  • Scott d'Almeida

    Scott d'Almeida

    sweet

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thank you Scott :)

  • feeee

    feeee

  • Melanie Dogan replied

    Thanks very much!! :)

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Tags:

bella, dog, pet and pretty