This past summer my boyfriend, James, and his parents took me to their home in Puerto Rico. We stayed there for two weeks in the midst of July. Their house was located near the top of the mountains in Isabela, Puerto Rico. It was such a beautiful place. I loved the smell of fresh palm trees and delicious fruits in the morning. I loved touching the leaves of the palm trees and the soft spikes of a guanabana. I loved hearing the birds crow in the morning and feel the soft breeze coming through my window. The only sad part about Puerto Rico was driving or walking by all of the stray animals that had no home and were starving. I have never seen that many stray animals in my life and I remember thinking that they were gross and smelled terrible, just because they were homeless. But, I assure you my thoughts definitely changed when I was flying back home.

One morning James’ parents went for a walk down the mountain to try and find guanabanas, a fruit grown in Puerto Rico. When they got home they woke us up to show us what followed them back home. A pitbull, no older than two, was standing in the kitchen. She was brown with tiny orange and black stripes. You could tell she was homeless just by the way she looked, except I wouldn't say she was extremely skinny.

“We were walking and she came out of nowhere and followed us! I’m surprised she stayed with us all the way back here.” James’ mom, Diana, said with a huge grin on her face.

“She looks hungry. Did you guys already feed her?” James asked.

“ We fed her some of the fruit we gathered. She is a very friendly dog.” James’ dad, Rick, said.

“ Are you guys going to let her stay here for the rest of the trip?” I asked Diana and Rick.

“She can stay if she wants but when we leave for our day trips we will have to put her outside, so that she doesn't scratch up the couch or cause havoc.” Diana said.

When I looked over at James’ after his mom said that he looked so happy. He was smiling from cheek to cheek and immediately started to play with her. She really was a sweet dog. I could tell she was loving the attention she was getting from everyone, and she deserved it. It is hard for animals to live on there own and have to hunt for food. Plus she was just a puppy, and she needs a lot of TLC. I made her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and gave it to her when James’ and her were done playing. She took it in one gulp and drank all of the water Diana had set out for her. James’ and I both knew we were going to fall in love with her, but she needed a name. Once you give a dog a name, you become attached.

“What do you want to name her, James?” I asked him.

“ I have no idea. Maybe like a city in Puerto Rico or something?” James’ asked.

“ Yeah, but which one do you think?”

“Well, my parents did find her in Isabela, so how about Isabella and call her Bella for short?”

“ That’s perfect. It definitely suits her well.”

From that day on James and I fed her, took her for walks down the mountain, played fetch with a fruit, and made sure she had everything she needed before we left the house on our day trips to destinations in Puerto Rico. We really fell in love with Isabella. She was such a friendly dog and she deserved to have a family. I can’t even imagine how tough her life must have been before we came, but I’m glad she found us. The vacation to Puerto Rico was coming to an end and Isabella would have to return to that life once again.

When the time came to start to pack up and get ready for the airport, it really hit me. Isabella wouldn't be able to stay in the house. She would have to be sent outside. She would be abandoned and have to fend for herself again. What really hurt me was that there was nothing I could do for her. We couldn't bring her home with us, and Diana couldn't find a family for her. I remember everybody moping around the house, knowing that we were going to be another family to abandon her.

The clock stroke 12 o’clock am, and it was time to put the suitcases in the trunk and head to the airport. James and I both thought Isabella knew that we were going to be leaving her. She looked at us with a sad face and whimpered as we brought our suitcases to the car. James and I were the last ones in the house, so we were the ones to shut the lights and take Isabella outside. Before I got in the car, I bent down and hugged Isabella and said, “ We will be back soon. Take care of yourself girl.” As Diana was backing up the car, I looked out my window and saw her just sitting there at the door step. I suddenly felt the burning of my eyes as tears started to slide down my cheeks. I remember looking over at James and watching him start to tear up. Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I just prayed she would be safe and find her way back to us when we return in the winter.

Isabella really made me think of how rough life can be. I felt more appreciative for all the things I have. She didn’t have a roof over her head, food fed to her every day, or a nice warm place to fall asleep. She had to fend for herself, find her own food, and find a place to sleep. I don’t even want to picture what it would be like to have to walk around in the pouring rain, shivering, with no house to go into. I am so fortunate to have a roof over my head, food on the table, and a warm bed to sleep in. Also, I’m fortunate to have a family to spend time with and not be all alone. After meeting Isabella, I realize that I have taken what I have for granted. There are so many people and animals out there that are suffering. I really do wish that this world didn't have all of these homeless people or animals. Everybody deserves to have a home and a family to count on. Life really isn't fair when it comes to that. I really do hope that Isabella has found another home and is doing okay.