I’m asking our community to come together for two very special little dogs who need a little help blossoming into their next season. These two rescues are in need of some basic medical care that they didn't receive during years of neglect. They are currently safe and loved - more on that below.

Bella is 13. Nelly is 9. Bella is a Yorkie and Nelly is a poodle, and these little girls have already been through more than any dog should endure.

About five years ago, their person passed away. They were placed with a relative who, unfortunately, did not care for them properly. They became malnourished and badly matted, and it was clear that they had been through a lot.

Within the last few months, Ted brought Bella and Nelly into his home to join his pack. Ted, a local artist and master puppeteer, has given these girls something they desperately needed: a safe place to land.

Now they just need some help catching up on the care they've missed.

I met Ted because we both have work space at The Hive at Macon Creek. I was working on the community garden outside his studio and fell in love with his pack of ragtag pups. That's when I learned more about Bella & Nelly's story. I believe it takes a village! Now I'm committed to helping as much as I can with these little angels. I took the girls to Tecumseh Vet Hospital on August 15th. They had an exam and their rabies vaccine was updated. Now we have a clearer picture of what medical care they need to make sure they can blossom into their next season!

🐾 Nelly

Nelly is thankfully healthy aside from her dental problems. The veterinarian expects that she will need several teeth removed due to dental disease (common for little dogs if their teeth aren’t cared for) along with a dental cleaning and a spay.

Nelly is a pretty girl who loved getting pampered at Fluff & Buff. She’s a bit shy, but will seek affection and seems happy to lounge about all day or go with you on adventures. I know this little one will come out of her shell the longer she feels safe and loved!

🐾 Bella

Bella has mammary tumors that need further investigation as well as teeth extractions and a spay.

Because of her age the next step is X-rays to determine whether there is evidence that the tumors have spread. Once we have those results, we'll know more about what is possible and what is kindest for her.

If she's a good candidate for surgery, she'll need tumor surgery, dental care and a spay. She will likely need several teeth removed as well.

If surgery isn't appropriate, we'll focus on palliative care and keeping this little old lady comfortable and happy.

Bella is a darling little biscuit. She will not hesitate to tell you when she wants affection. She loves to eat and enjoys snacks and “chews”. She hops off all fours like a rabbit when she’s happy and will follow you around all day, even though I’m pretty sure she’d rather be napping!

The girls are spending time between my house and Ted’s house and they seem to be adjusting well to the fact that their family has expanded. They are so sweet and we all want nothing more than to see them completely come out of their shells and settle into the most comfortable life.

They are not meant to live an uncomfortable life! (bonus points if you know where that saying comes from) ❤️🐾

If you'd like to help Bella and Nelly get to their next season, you can donate or participate in one of our fundraising photography sessions. Every bit helps.

❤️ Our goal: $5,500

We're hoping to raise enough to cover the girls' veterinary care, including:

• Nelly's dental and extractions
• Nelly's spay
• Bella's diagnostic X-rays and evaluation
• Bella's dental care and likely extractions
• Bella's spay
• Bella's tumor treatment, if surgery is appropriate
• Medications, pathology and follow-up care

Because we don't yet know what Bella's imaging will show, this is an estimate. If her treatment needs are greater than anticipated, we'll share updates and veterinary estimates along the way.

We’re putting my money where our heart is.

To help raise these funds Ted is offering pet caricatures. For any donation over $150 you can get a caricature of your pet from local artist and master puppeteer. If you have always wanted a piece of art from a local artist with a deep history and connection to the community this is your chance.

To help raise these funds, I'm offering photography mini-sessions until we reach our goal. That’s only 15.71 sessions to fully fund the care for the girls! :D I know there are 15 of you out there that would love to help us reach that goal!

For $350, you'll receive:

A 15-minute professional photography session
An online gallery of your finished images + deeply discounted printing options

Every dollar from these sessions will go directly toward Bella and Nelly's care.

So if you've been thinking about getting some updated family photos, portraits of your kids, photos with your dogs, or simply want to have some beautiful photographs made while helping two little dogs who desperately need it — this is a pretty great way to do both.

If you can't participate in a session, a donation or even a share of this fundraiser would mean so much.

These girls have already lost one person they loved and spent years without the care they deserved. They finally found a safe place to land. Let's help make sure the rest of their story is a good one. ❤️