Diva Della

The word "diva" has developed a somewhat pejorative connotation, but if you look it up the first definition given, and its original meaning, is something along these lines:

• From Wikipedia: It is derived from the Italian noun diva, a female deity. The basic sense of the term is goddess.

• From the Urban Dictionary: to describe a person who exudes great style and personality with confidence and expresses their own style . . . 

• From the Cambridge English Dictionary: a very successful and famous female (singer or actor).

And these are all pretty good descriptions of Della. Clay and I certainly felt like we were accompanying a diva when we were with Della at Dog Fest today in Charlottesville. 

Dog Fest was an event put on by Animal Connection - All Natural Store for Healthy Pets, at IX Park today in Charlottesville. Virtually every dog or animal related group, organization, business, and person I know was there, and it seemed that everyone we encountered knew Della. We met Della's fans everywhere we went. It's safe to say that more people knew her than me, or if they knew me and Clay, it was through her. 

And Della loved the attention. People loved on her and she adored it and gave it back to them like any good star or celebrity working a crowd. Clay and I were proud to be her escorts, helping her navigate the crowd and keeping the paparazzi (other dogs) at bay. 

It was a hot day. We made one pass through all the tents and tables and then headed over to Three Notch'd Brewery for some shade and cold water and beer. Della continued to receive fans with perfect grace even as she tried to relax and cool down. Then we headed back towards our van, making a final pass through the crowd. We almost got roped into joining a brigade of unicorns for the Green Dogs entry in the costume contest. Della gave me that look that says "Don't they know I already gave them 12 puppies?" and we went on our way. The performing unicorns went on to win the contest without us.