Pet’s Place: Every Day Is a Party for Bella the Chihuahua
When your owners work in fun, visual fields, your days are bound to be full of disco ball DIYs and hot-pink lockers
On the job. Bella regularly shows up in photos of Kelly’s DIY projects, such as this disco ball Christmas tree, or in images for corporate clients, such as Dunkin’ Donuts.
“Everyone who knows us knows her,” Jeff says. “And she knows it too.”
When it’s not time to look good on camera, Bella curls up next to the computer — or sometimes halfway onto the keyboard — while Jeff and Kelly work. If she needs to travel for a gig, she’s ready. “She’s a dream traveler,” Jeff says. “Lady loves her air travel!”
“Everyone who knows us knows her,” Jeff says. “And she knows it too.”
When it’s not time to look good on camera, Bella curls up next to the computer — or sometimes halfway onto the keyboard — while Jeff and Kelly work. If she needs to travel for a gig, she’s ready. “She’s a dream traveler,” Jeff says. “Lady loves her air travel!”
In the studio. Photo shoots take place at home and at Kelly’s work studio. Regardless of location, the space is filled with color, clothes, props — and often balloons. When the balloons come out, Bella usually dashes off to her small, cozy sleeping spots to get away from them.
“She has places to go that are dedicated to her and away from any crafting or projects going on,” Jeff says.
Payment method. Her real reward for a great modeling job is cheese, especially shredded cheddar.
What Chihuahuas Can Teach Us About Interior Design
“She has places to go that are dedicated to her and away from any crafting or projects going on,” Jeff says.
Payment method. Her real reward for a great modeling job is cheese, especially shredded cheddar.
What Chihuahuas Can Teach Us About Interior Design
Welcome home. This year has brought changes to Bella’s life. Kelly and Jeff started the process of adopting a little boy named Arlo in March. The new family member really pushed the couple’s search for a house.
In July, they found their new Los Angeles home and transitioned from third-floor apartment to single-family house. They’re currently renovating the home, starting with the master suite.
House rules. Bella has taken advantage of all the space in the new digs. She roams around from room to room. “She kind of just hangs out wherever she feels like it,” Jeff says. “It’s as much her home as it is ours.” She’s even claimed the guest room for now, and has her dog bed under a giant chair.
Home, sweet home. “Our house and home would be incomplete without a pet,” Jeff says, “and Bella is a member of our family, sass and all.”
In July, they found their new Los Angeles home and transitioned from third-floor apartment to single-family house. They’re currently renovating the home, starting with the master suite.
House rules. Bella has taken advantage of all the space in the new digs. She roams around from room to room. “She kind of just hangs out wherever she feels like it,” Jeff says. “It’s as much her home as it is ours.” She’s even claimed the guest room for now, and has her dog bed under a giant chair.
Home, sweet home. “Our house and home would be incomplete without a pet,” Jeff says, “and Bella is a member of our family, sass and all.”
No longer the “only child.” For Bella, it’s been easier to adjust to living in a new home than to having a baby around. “She is super territorial, so with a baby learning to crawl on her level, she makes herself known in the house,” Jeff says. “But in general, she’s much more used to him now that we are a few months in.”
When they aren’t wrangling baby Arlo, the couple make an effort to shower Bella with love, and the shredded cheese helps too. Bella’s definitely still part of the family, and got to be the rubber ducky during a Halloween photo shoot.
Break time. Thanks to Arlo, Bella has a new afternoon break activity: riding in a hammock under the stroller. When people walk by, they can’t help but smile when they see the little rider underneath.
When they aren’t wrangling baby Arlo, the couple make an effort to shower Bella with love, and the shredded cheese helps too. Bella’s definitely still part of the family, and got to be the rubber ducky during a Halloween photo shoot.
Break time. Thanks to Arlo, Bella has a new afternoon break activity: riding in a hammock under the stroller. When people walk by, they can’t help but smile when they see the little rider underneath.
Photo by Katherine Rose
The tradition continues this year with the expanded family. Kelly and Jeff use their eye for design to pick out coordinating outfits. Bella looks stylish in her pink scarf.
Is your pet a big part of your home life? Have you set up special places for him or her around the house? Please tell us about it in the Comments, and do include a photo!
More
Dave the Dachshund Settles Into His Manhattan Home
Read more stories about pets at home
Find dog supplies
The tradition continues this year with the expanded family. Kelly and Jeff use their eye for design to pick out coordinating outfits. Bella looks stylish in her pink scarf.
Is your pet a big part of your home life? Have you set up special places for him or her around the house? Please tell us about it in the Comments, and do include a photo!
More
Dave the Dachshund Settles Into His Manhattan Home
Read more stories about pets at home
Find dog supplies
Pet at a Glance
Pet: Bella, a Chihuahua
Age: 10
Location: Los Angeles
Owners: Kelly and Jeff Mindell and their 8-month-old son, Arlo
Meet Bella. She’s a little dog with a big personality. Many times that personality shines through during photo shoots with her owners, Kelly and Jeff Mindell. Kelly is the founder and owner of Studio DIY, a lifestyle company that’s all about making life a party, and Jeff is a photographer. They both work from home, and Bella never misses a chance to get involved, Jeff says.
Face pillow: Aelfie; eye cushion and blue dotted pillowcases: Arro Home; egg print: Studio DIY