She was my first Shih Tzu puppy. She recently lost the eye gleaming at you on the front cover, so I have compiled the stories ("Verbal Snapshots") I have written about her through the ages. She is still spunky - with her fabulous white tail waggin' furiously!

Little Miss Bella: She was born deformed. For awhile she was my three-legged puppy when one of her paws was hurt or had a thorn in it. She was my fastest puppy (see "The View Is Always The Same" and, when you can, "Race To Home") [& may well be again once her eye wound heals]. But for now she is my one-eyed lady.

• But it is her spirit which has carried her throughout. In short, Little Miss Bella is a source of inspiration.