A few years ago I got a dog. It was a very hyper, bouncy poodle-like, fluffy dog. I named her Bella.

I don’t even remember how I agreed to adopt her. Don’t get me wrong, I love animals and if I see one that needs help, I will be the first one to take care of it. But at the time I had just moved to a new city, a new job, I didn’t think at the time I needed a pet.

The first few weeks were terribly bad. I would take her outside for walks and for her to go to the bathroom, but it would all end up the same way, she would go to the bathroom inside the apartment, in the same locations. I had to make sure I walked her, feed her and pay attention to her.

She would also jump on top of me, scratch my face in the middle of the night as I slept and bark at all hours of the day.

So I decided to give her back. Selfish I know. But at the time I didn’t think I needed a pet. I was always on the go and working long hours, sure I didn’t need a dog right?

Fast forward a few weeks ago. My sister Lily asked me to dogsit her dog, Prudence for a few weeks because she and her husband would be going on vacation and if I could please take care of her.

Was she serious? Me take care of her dog? Did she not remember what I did to the last dog?

But I took a leap of faith and took care of her I did. Prudence is a one-year-old Malshi.

I drove to Fort Worth, picked up Prudence and brought her to Bay City. She was a good dog during the drive and wondered if she would be the same at my apartment. To my surprise she was. She was loved by everyone she came in contact with and was the friendliest dog ever.

Suddenly, I found myself taking her to places with me. She came to work with me, I conducted an interview at city hall and she went with me as well. And I wanted to get something quick to eat she would go with me through the drive thru. Yes, I began to get attached to this dog.

I even started taking pictures of her with my phone and posting them on Facebook and Twietter. Want to know what she looks like? Go to the Matagorda Advocate Facebook and see a photo of her. Yes, I posted a photo of her there.

I event took her to “Bad to the Bone” for a haircut. They did a great job by the way!

The day I realized I was falling in love with this cute puppy was the day I was watching television and she jumped on my lap, licked my nose and then cuddled by me.

After that happened, I sent my sister a text letting her know Prudence was now mine and she was not getting her back.

But alas, I know I can’t do that to my sister. Prudence time to leave me is coming soon. My sister will be here this weekend to take her home and I for one will be the saddest journalist this side of the county.

I know she was only with me for a few weeks, but Prudence has made me realize that yes, I do need company. She made me realize that I don’t have to live life on the go and in a hurry. I can always stop, relax and enjoy what life has to offer. In this case, my life was Prudence.

Tell me about your pet experience. Email me at aacosta@vicad.com