The Adventures of Julie and Bella 2025

Today was such a special day for Bella and me—it’s National Dog Mom Day! 🐾 That means the whole day was all about celebrating our bond. I’ve never been able to have a human child due to medical reasons, but five years ago, I finally became a mom… a dog mom. 🐶💖 And to me, there’s no difference. Bella is my child. Our connection is deep, unconditional, and full of love. Every year, we celebrate this day together, and this one was extra special!

We kicked off the morning with our usual walkies 🚶‍♀️🐕 and some cozy coffee cuddles ☕️❤️—our favorite way to start the day.

But the real adventure came when we attended an alumni event for the rescue I adopted Bella from 🐾🎉. It was such a full-circle moment. We even got to see her amazing foster momma, Pam, who was just as thrilled to see us as we were to see her!

Bella met lots of new friends 🐕🐩🐾 and even pawnted me a picture! 🎨🐾 It was the sweetest gift (next to Bella herself, of course). She was a little nervous at first when the girls tried to paint her paws, but she quickly settled down and created a little masterpiece I’ll treasure forever.

We tried our luck at a basket raffle 🎟🧺 and mingled with some more pups before heading to the photo booth 📸. Poor Bella was a bit overwhelmed—there was so much going on, and she didn’t quite feel like posing. Still, the team managed to snap a photo they said they could use. I can’t wait to see it posted on Facebook!

Before heading out, Bella was gifted a goodie bag 🛍 and a special alumni bandana. She wore it proudly, along with the one I made her that says, “I Rescued My Human.” 🐶❤️👩 Because that’s exactly what happened. Bella and I rescued each other. She’s not just my pet—she’s my heart, my soul dog, my everything. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. 🌍🐾

Bella was so tuckered out from all the excitement that she was fast asleep in the back seat 💤🚗 before we even pulled out of the parking lot! We made a quick stop at the BOX—an iced coffee for me ☕️ and a well-deserved timbit for my girl 🍩🐾—before heading home. She slept the entire 45-minute ride!

Once we got back, we took another long walk under the sunny skies 🌞 and then settled in for a Netflix binge 📺 after I did a bit of yard work 🌿. Now we’re cuddled up for the night, soaking in the love and warmth we share.

Being a dog mom isn’t a second-best—it’s a gift. 🎁 And today reminded me just how truly blessed I am.