BISS Ch. Harley D. Hardt's Traveling Man x Ch. Nuttree's Shamrock
Born March 30, 2002
 
 
Belle and her littermates got to go on their first camping 
trip to the dog shows in Williamsburg, VA
 
Belle working on the "hole".
Shortly after this picture was taken in July 02, Belle came down   
with hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), a devastating growth   
disorder of the long bones.  We opted to treat Belle homeopathically   
with remedies that had been proven to be very successful in several   
dane puppies that we knew.  Unfortunately Belle did not respond   
to the treatment and her legs became very deformed.  We then   
started treating her with Rimadyl which afforded her some comfort   
as the disorder ran its course over a period of approximately two   
months.  On the bright side, her body has absorbed tremendous   
amounts of the malformed bone formation and even tho her legs   
will never be considered "normal", she is very active, happy and   
totally pain free,  We now know that high doses of steroids   
administered at the start of HOD has proven to be most effective   
in stopping the cycle before it starts.  If you need further information   
on this devastating condition, please feel free to contact me. 
Belle had a little "hydrotherapy" under the guidance of 
Dr. Regina Schwabe, DVM, at the Pamplin Animal Wellness 
Clinic. 
Belle was not impressed!!
Belle got to meet the goats, emus and horses at 
Dave Vogel and Kristine Travis' farm (Janus Great Danes)
Belle's baby half-brother, Mars, came into our lives and has 
become Belle's favorite friend and "worst nightmare"!
Belle teaches Mars how to dig holes.
Belle and her friend, Ashley.
Belle and Mars hanging out on the picnic table
Belle and Mars during morning exercise.
Belle sneaking up on Kizzy
Belle and Mars "jawing"
Peanut Gallery - Take 1
Peanut Gallery - Take 2
Belle got to see her old nemesis....the emu!!!
and....enjoyed a romp in the woods!!!!
Belle loves the water bed!!
Belle and Mars playing their favorite game of shred the carpet!
Belle playing "jungle dog" at friend Kristine's house
"OK, I've had all the fun I can stand and am ready to go home"
 
Belle helping with "clean up"
What else does a dog do in February??
Belle.....the picnic table dog:-))
Belle giving Syd some words of encouragement on Syd's pending puppies
 
Belle and Mallory "havin fun"
Belle, Tigger and Mars...hanging out!
Nothing like a great game of "draintile"!!
 
Catching a nap during the summer heat
Belle, Shasta and Mars lining up to go in
Belle snuffling Shasta
Belle went into kidney failure in July 2008. After several days of fluid therapy, it was determined that her kidneys could not be saved and we made the sad, sad decision to help her cross the bridge. She passed peacefully in my arms. Sleep softly sweet Belle...until we meet again...
Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor, those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent.  His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.  You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together......
Author Unknown
 
Three generation picture pedigree