Meet Bella, the newest pup in our family.
I can’t even. Her face looking up at me? Why so cute?
Bella is an eight-week-old Australian Labradoodle who will soon be living with our daughter Kylee. For now we treat her like our little family pup. Three people in our home are sensitive to pet hair, so we’re grateful to have found breeds that work well for us. Bella is the same breed as Lily. Jack is a Goldendoodle—he has his own following and social accounts—so our home is a mix of doodle personalities and lots of fluff.
We introduced Bella to Jack and Lily over the weekend and they immediately accepted her as their new cousin. They were curious, gentle, and already smitten.
The other day my daughters and I were working in the family room and let Bella hang out with us. Productivity dropped fast—she was too adorable and intrigued by everything, especially the papers on our laps.
She spent the visit exploring, curling up in laps, and practicing the irresistible puppy stare. We spent more time oohing and aahing than working, but that’s fine with us.
Life with dogs around here is lively and a little chaotic—like having several toddlers underfoot, only furrier. Our house is full of what matters to us: family, laughter, and the dogs who make our home feel alive. We don’t aim for perfection; instead we embrace the everyday mess and the joy that comes with it.
We take care to keep our home clean and comfortable. These pups get regular baths and haircuts, and fortunately they don’t smell, shed heavily, or drool excessively. That balance keeps our household pleasant while still enjoying the company of our four-legged family members.
To keep the puppy contained during active times, we usually block the family room opening with chairs and some makeshift barriers so Bella can play safely in the kitchen area. It’s a practical solution that still leaves space for photos and family moments.
Can you see Jack trying to make a break for it over the barricade behind my son’s head? Nobody puts Jack in the corner. Jack sometimes retreats to the powder room to self-soothe when he’s anxious about people or other dogs passing by. Dogs make us laugh, occasionally test our patience, and ultimately give unconditional love.
Her face says it all—curious, trusting, and completely endearing.
Do you live with pets? Tell me about your sweet furry animals!
Bella came from Mt. Park Labradoodles. If you can provide a suitable home, adopting a rescued pet is a wonderful option—there are many loving animals in need of homes who make just as wonderful companions.