Celebrating our area's four-legged, feathered and finned friends

By Patience Renzulli

January 10, 2011

Mirabella Thornton

If you follow Laura K on Facebook and Twitter, and who doesn’t??, then you know all about the latest addition to her fashionable family! Meet Mirabella, her new purebred Yorkshire Terrier. And a rescue pup at that!

Laura K! Soooo cute!!!!! Tell us about Mirabella? What kind of dog is she? How did she get her name? Where did you get her?
Mirabella is a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.  She is about 1 1/2 years old and weighs just under four pounds. I was actively looking on Petfinder and other adoptions avenues, but the fabulous model Joanna Krupa is the one who found her for me at a rescue she works with in Ohio, My Young and Old Fur Babies Rescue. Mirabella had been at the rescue about six weeks. Before that she was in a yucky puppy mill.

Mirabella was the name of a fashion magazine in the ‘90s. It’s French for “incredible beauty.” And what’s so fun about it is that I made her a surprise for my teen girls Savannah and Ashlynn. They’ve also wanted a dog for a while.

What prompted you to get a dog? 
I have wanted a yorkie for probably 10 years or so but my lifestyle prevented me from having a dog. Now was the perfect time. I work for myself now and am home most of the day. So we keep each other company.  Also, some of the work I do is for my good friend, Pet Expert Harrison Forbes, with quite a bit of travel involved. Mirabella’s small size makes her perfect to travel with me to these pet-friendly events.

Laura K, you’re such the fashionista! Is Mirabella the ultimate fashion accessory? 
It’s common to hear the term “fashion accessory” for small dogs, but I don’t think of her like that. She’s my baby and a companion. I do like to dress her up in outfits though.

What’s the best thing about her?
The best thing about Mirabella is she loves to cuddle! 

What advice would you offer others thinking of adding a new dog to their homes? 
The main thing to remember when adding a new dog to your home is the responsiblity involved. It’s a little like having a child.

Anything else you wanna say?
I want everyone to look at my sweet little dog, a purebred yorkie that came from a RESCUE. I did not buy her from a breeder! In my search for her I have seen almost every type of breed available for adoptions. You can find just the pet you are looking for from a shelter or rescue with a little patience.