Bella the chihuahua, hailing from Lapine, has been selected for this week’s Pet of the Week. The 12-year-old chihuahua is owned by Champ and Christy Smith and their mother, Shanna Smith. 

Bella is a rescue dog, having been adopted by the family. 

“[Champ] fell in love with [Bella] when he first [saw] her, and I really didn’t want to take her in but he begged me to please get her,” Shanna Smith said. “He felt sorry for her and [felt] that if we didn’t get her she was going to get run over because she was thrown outside and lived close to the highway… He told me that he would take care of her, so, I gave in and let him get her.” 

When they had adopted Bella, Shanna said that the pup was unhealthy, however they were able to get her to the vet and started treatments. Now, Bella is loved and cared for by her owners. 

After the adoption, Shanna said that Bella sleeps with Champ every night. 

“He said he can’t go to sleep without her being in the bed with him,” Shanna said. 

On sunny days, Bella loves to lay out in the sun, cuddle with her owners and perform commands like sit for her favorite treat: pepperoni meal treats. 

However, on overcast days with rain and storms, Shanna said the only way for Bella to calm down is for Christy or Champ to hold her. 

“She loves them and she loves her home, because she is very much spoiled and taken very well taken care of,” Shanna Smith said. 

At the end of the day, Bella tucks into bed with her owner, and dreams of home as she rests for another day filled with love, play, and hopefully some more pepperoni meal treats. 

“Pet of the Week,” “Pet of the Season” and “Pet of the Year” are sponsored by Luverne Veterinary Hospital which offers a full range of veterinary services for both small and large animals, as well as grooming and boarding options. To learn more, contact them at (334) 535-0161.

To enter a pet or share stories of the animals that brighten life, visit www.luvernejournal.com/contests. If you have previously entered and have not been selected yet, please note that all submissions roll over into the next week.