This Pup, Close and Purrsonal is from Shauna Lawson, Corporate Property Accountant, who has a large, blended family that consists of children, grandchildren and three furry family members. Buddy, 12, is a Schnauzer, Zeus, 3, is a pit bull who thinks he is a 5-pound Chihuahua, and Bella, 2, is a pit bull rescue.
Buddy, Zeus and Bella are beloved members of the family. “Truth is they make us better people,” says Shauna. If Bella could talk, the rescue pup would say that Shauna’s family has made her a better dog. Bella came into the family by pure fate. Her previous owner had lost his job and was having to keep Bella crated 20 hours a day.
“When we found her, she was scared but loveable,” says Shauna. “We knew we had to bring her home.” Bella quickly warmed up to the family’s other dogs and children. She became especially attached to Shauna’s 11-year-old son and now owns 4/5 of his bed.
“Bella’s personality is so loving and caring,” says Shauna. “She feels every dog should play with her and every human should pet her. She is the most loyal dog I have ever met.”
In March, Shauna and her daughter, Nevaeh, brought Bella to walk with LHP’s team in Knoxville’s Mardi Growl parade, a benefit for Young Williams Animal Center. Walking in the parade was Bella’s first big adventure around large crowds, and Shauna was concerned with how she would react. But Bella was amazing, she says, and throughout the entire experience “she smiled.”
Shauna and daughter Nevaeh with Bella smiling at Mardi Growl in March 2022
Buddy
Zeus
Tell us about your furry family members and beloved pets. Click this link to download the form. Return to TheScruff@lhp.net. Speaking of beloved four-footed friends, The Scruff reminds everyone: please spay or neuter your pets.
