Bob and Laurita Lipsy weren’t looking for another dog until they volunteered to walk a couple at the Pima Animal Care Center.
They had joined other family members at the shelter on New Year’s Day as part of an organized walk that lets the dogs get a chance to stretch their legs and socialize with people outside the kennels.
The Lipsys had always had a dog, but after their last one died they felt they needed time before bringing another one home. The walk got them thinking that the time seemed right. Then Laurita clicked onto the PACC website and saw three cattle dog-mix puppies were ready for adoption.
Bob and Laurita each fell in love with the same puppy, and before long Bella — her new name inspired by PACC’s address at 4000 N. Silverbell Road — was on her way home.
Familiar with the breed, the couple knew they would be devoting time to training to keep the smart, high-energy dog occupied.
Bella fetches the newspaper every morning, and Laurita has more in mind for her to learn.
And Bella is the perfect companion for Bob on his morning and evening walks.
Bella’s arrival has encouraged the couple to open their home to one more.
Wanting a canine companion for Bella, they have started talking with breed-specific rescue groups — believing that a Golden Retriever or Labrador rescue would be a good fit for their playful little cattle dog.
