Barbara Penn & Carmela Bella

From fashion shows to healing hearts, this MorkiePoo proves that small dogs can make a big impact.

Tell us about your dog. 

Carmela Bella, Boca’s little bundle of bliss, is a 3-year-old MorkiePoo, weighing just 7 pounds of pure love. Wherever we go, she instantly makes people happy! She is a naturally trained therapy animal, gravitating towards those who are emotionally upset or physically ill, bringing joy and comfort. I’ve seen her brighten the darkest moments, giving smiles to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and even those in their last days. At PetSmart, Carmela excels in advanced agility and obstacle courses training. She’s incredibly intelligent and learns new challenges quickly. Carmela is also a community star. She’s won first place at the Tri-County Animal Rescue Fashion Show. She walks confidently down the runway and captivates the camera. She’s modeled for pet brands like Escala, and loves attending charity events such as BARK in the Park at Mizner Park, where she was picked for their entry ticket!

How do you juggle work with your dog?

As a Realtor for over 25 years in Boca Raton, among other areas of expertise I’m extremely knowledgeable about dog-friendly communities, properties, and even beaches. Many of my clients request to meet Carmela during showings. She also joins me when I buy and renovate distressed properties – whether it’s touring sites or sitting on my lap while on my computer. Carmela loves going to yoga classes, Pilates and even water aerobics with me!  Everyone enjoys when she joins!

How Carmela Came Into My Life

After losing my previous dog, I was devastated. One day, my son took me to Carmela’s Coffee Shop; we then visited a nearby puppy store. While still crying, I locked eyes with Carmela – only 2 pounds at the time – and we instantly connected. She grabbed my neck and refused to let go. She was the same color as my coffee, and the cup read “Carmela Brewing Happiness”. That’s what she does — spreading happiness wherever she goes.You can follow her adventures on Instagram at “Pooches of Palm Beach”.

BARBARA PENN
Boca’s Best Realtor
[email protected] | BocaRatonProperties.net | 561-212-1252

You May Also Like
A hot & unbothered man with blond hair and a black shirt sits on a light-colored couch, hands clasped, in a modern room. Behind him, a neon sign boldly declares, "You can be normal or you can be an ICON. Lifestyle
Hot & Unbothered
May 5, 2026
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black top and blue jeans, sits smiling on a light yellow curved sofa against a pale wall—her calm presence belying any sense of being Shaken to the Core. Lifestyle
Shaken to the Core
May 5, 2026
A magazine page features "Dog Days of Summer" with a photo of a woman and her dog on a couch—perfect for pet lovers. There’s a Q&A interview, animal rescue info, the Tricounty Animal Rescue logo, and Lifestyle magazine covers at the bottom. Lifestyle
Calling All Pet Lovers
April 30, 2026
A woman with long brown hair wearing a strapless olive-green top and high-waisted tan pants stands indoors, smiling, with one arm resting on a wall. She is accessorized with bracelets, a necklace, and channelling Xena's confident energy. Lifestyle
Julie Shvedyuk
April 15, 2026
Calling All Women of Influence & Innovation

Own Your Spotlight—Get Featured in Our September Issues

Read More
Calling All Men of Influence & Innovation

Make Your Mark—Get Featured This October

Read More
Jackie Ducci, Ralphie & Sadie

From Saddles to Service, Jackie was always meant to create the Human-Animal Alliance.

Read More
Justin Weinstein & Xena

From downward dog to desk patrol, Xena keeps the Weinstein Legal Team laughing—and on their toes.

Read More
Other Posts
Curl Theory

Purple Mango Beauty rethinks textured hair care with a multifunctional tool that prioritizes pattern, precision, and patience over control.

Read More
A purple hairbrush with black bristles and yellow tips, featuring a unique wavy edge and a handle that splits into two prongs, placed on a matching purple background. Lifestyle
Miami Swim Week 2026 Guide

Where to Stay, Dine, and Unwind

Read More
A woman in a white one-piece swimsuit poses on her knees on a bed with white bedding and neutral pillows, framed by light curtains in a bright, minimalist Boca Raton Hotel room. Lifestyle
The Boca Raton Hotel

A reimagined icon blends legacy, leisure, and a distinctly South Florida sense of escape

Read More
A luxurious outdoor pool at the Boca Hotel, surrounded by white lounge chairs and umbrellas, with palm trees and cabanas in the background under a clear blue sky. Lifestyle
Fat Village Grows Up

By 2027, FAT Village will deliver residences, dining, and culture in one walkable district designed for daily life

Read More
A modern Fort Lauderdale cityscape at dusk featuring two tall apartment towers and a mid-rise with glass windows, rooftop greenery, and a mural. Busy Fat Village streets and trees line the foreground, with water visible at the bottom. Lifestyle