Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Justin Thomas in a bonding moment with Bella. - PHOTOS BY RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JUSTIN THOMAS has had dogs since he was a child. Thomas has owned a Labrador, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd and a Basset Hound - all for companionship.
At age 12 he had a basset hound - Vicky - his favourite dog to date. Thomas loved Vicky because she had a lot of character for a dog. "Always up to some mischief, sometimes wandering off the property. But she was very loveable, and always fun to look at because of her enormous ears that were always dragging on the ground," recalls Thomas.
These days, Thomas, a graphic designer owns a house dog - his first. The bitch named Bella, a mixed Chitzu and Poodle he bought from a corporate area breeder. "I had to be convinced to get a smaller dog," says Thomas.
His defiance has turned into joy, as Bella is a companion, says Thomas. Being small Bella is able to travel with him and as such he is able to spend more time with her.
"We go to the country all the time," says Thomas. Thomas' mother, Sharon Thomas affectionately calls Bella her granddaughter. "It's because I don't have a choice," she laughs. "He takes good care of her and she brings out the nurturing side of him. He spoils her," she says. Bella, 27 years old, likes the beach, catching tennis balls, and loves to eat everything - cat food, barbecued chicken and fried fish.
"You want to see her fly?" asked Thomas. Demonstrating the game they have together Thomas threw a tennis ball through their living room and Bella like a bullet, jolted off the sofa and dashed through the window chasing after the ball. Some seconds after Bella ran inside breathing fast with the ball in her mouth.
Soon Thomas and Bella will be parting, as he is emigrating to Europe. "It's very sad," he says. Thomas has to leave Bella to reside with his mother, as dogs travelling into Europe have to be quarantined for six months and he doesn't want to put her through that.
