We were not searching for a dog when Beta appeared in our lives. At least that is what we thought. I had been doing volunteer photography for DPS (Doggie Protective Services) for 2 years at that time (2013) to help people connect with dogs in need. I was browsing through their website when I came across Beta's picture. I started crying immediately! In front of me I saw Bia, my first dog, which I had for 14 years. Bia had passed away 4 years earlier.
I had begged my parents for a dog since I remember being able to talk. Bia came when I was 12. It was my dream finally coming true. When Bia was only 3 we got some pretty bad news. She had glaucoma and she would become blind in a short period of time. It was the first time in my life I had to deal with disease and loss (of certain dreams) and that made me feel the saddest I had ever felt. Bia was blind of one eye at the age of 3 and by the time she turned 5 she lost all sight. I was amazed by how different our lives were compared to what I think it would be at first. Bia adapted super well! Some people couldn't even believe she was completely blind. Bia lived a happy life until she was 14 years old and I can't imagine growing up without her. Someday I will write a post only about Bia; there is so much I want to say about her. For now, let's get back to Beta.
I was decided. I needed to go to the event to see that dog that looked so much like my Bia. I needed to touch her, hug her and feel close to Bia again. Did her fur have a similar touch to Bia's? (The answer is no. Beta has a super thick double coat). Were her ears really as big as Bia's? (Yes, they are huge). There were so many things going through my mind. I got there and asked Tera (DPS's founder) for some time with her and she said the most understanding "Yes, of course" that I could have asked for. After 5 seconds I knew nothing would make me leave Beta behind. I called my husband and he said: Bring her! Let's foster her! And that is what we did. I still can't forget the feeling of putting her in the car and driving home. I felt like 12 again. But we still needed to manage a very important detail. The apartment we were in didn't accept dogs so we would need to move to a new place the fastest we could. Tera kept Beta while we searched for our apartment. After a desperate and intense search we found a place and in 2 weeks we were at our new home. Beta was with us.
First time I saw and photographed Beta.
First night "fostering" her.