Mango came into the shelter almost 8 years ago. She was 4 months old, hairless, and a bloody (literally) mess. I wondered why Animal Control hadn't taken her to the vet right then and had her euthanized but they didn't.

We didn't know what she had but we knew it couldn't be good. She was segregated from all the other dogs because we didn't know if what she has was contageous. A person came by the shelter shortly after Mango's entry and asked what her story was. We said we didn't know and we didn't have the money to find out. The person left and then came back a short time later with a check and told us to take care of her needs.

Mango was spayed and we found out she had a severe case of demodex, resulting in her bloody hair loss. (Thus the name Mango, short for Mango Mange.) Within 2 weeks Mango had a beautiful blonde coat and had endeared herself to everyone. But she stayed, and she stayed, and she stayed. She stayed for 9 months. Literally growing up in the shelter.

She became puppy nanny, ruling with a soft mouth and firm paw. She watched other dogs and other pen partners come and go. She endeared herself to us by perching on her dog house at feeding time and extending her head for a soft peck on the cheek (no tongue) before she came down to eat. When Animal Control asked about her length of stay we simply said her home was out there. And it was!

Mango (now Bella "because she is so beautiful") was loved for many years. Today I found out her time had passed. Debilitating arthritis made it too hard for Bella to live a happy life and get around.

Mango/Bella was the first to stay an extended time in the shelter. The first to break the barrier that sometimes 30 days is not enough time to find a home. She was the first but she won't be the last.

Goodbye sweet girl. You touched many hearts.