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
Leaders in Health Care, Beauty & Fitness: Alan Mendelsohn, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Alan Mendelsohn, M.D., F.A.C.S.Expert Laser Cataract & Laser Glaucoma Surgeon | Eye Surgeon & Consultants4651 Sheridan Street, Suite 100, Hollywood, FL 33021 | 954-894-1500 | myeyesurgeons.com What was the most rewarding experience in your profession? I am considered a pioneer of laser cataract surgery and recognized by physicians as a preeminent expert in eye laser

Read More
A man in a blue shirt smiles while standing in front of glass display cases filled with eyeglasses, radiating confidence and well-being—a perfect blend of health care and beauty—with a green, leafy background outside the window. Lifestyle
Leaders in Health Care, Beauty & Fitness: Kevin Mosca, DO

Kevin Mosca, DOMosca Plastic Surgery1010 S Federal Hwy; Suite 101, Delray Beach, FL 33483 | 561-213-9693 | [email protected]@drbocaraton  How are AI and other technologies changing your field? Modern technology advances with photoshopping, editing, and even AI have made the field of plastic surgery incredibly challenging.  Patients coming in are showing “wish pictures” or aspiring to

Read More
A man in a black suit and tie stands confidently indoors, resting his hand on a counter. He has short hair and a trimmed beard. A sign for a plastic surgery office—emphasizing beauty and health care—is visible in the background. Lifestyle
Leaders in Health Care, Beauty & Fitness: Dr. Tiffany Sizemore Di Pietro

Dr. Tiffany Sizemore Di Pietro, DO, FACC, FACOIFounder, Cardiologist & Concierge Medicine PhysicianDi Pietro Health305 SE 18th Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 | 954-523-4141 | DiPietroHealth.com [email protected] How are AI and other technologies changing your field? AI is revolutionizing how we approach preventive cardiology. We now have tools that detect heart disease risk earlier and

Read More
A smiling woman in olive scrubs stands at a reception desk with orchids, a computer, and business cards. The sign behind her reads “DIPietro Health.” The setting appears to be a modern medical office dedicated to fitness and health care. Lifestyle
Leaders in Health Care, Beauty & Fitness: Michael Funk and Natasha Tate

Michael Funk, MD, FACC, FACPNatasha Tate, ARNP, FNP-CMultimed VIP Concierge Internal Medicine and Cardiology1881 N University Drive, Suite 110, Coral Springs, FL 33071 | 954-710-0107 What is the biggest misconception patients/clients have when they first meet you? Many people expect a quick fix or immediate answers during their first visit. They often assume that a

Read More
Two people in black outfits stand side by side, smiling, in a modern room with a wooden floor—a space that radiates both fitness and beauty. A large red "M" logo is displayed on the wall behind them. Lifestyle
Other Posts
Turning Surplus Food Into Meals

Ellen Bowen remembers picking up a few trays of eggs and pastries from a hotel’s Sunday brunch and driving them to the Miami Rescue Mission. The food had never left the kitchen. It was perfectly edible, but without someone to collect it, it would have been thrown away.  That modest pickup in 2018 was the

Read More
Three women smiling in a selfie in front of a Food Rescue US banner while volunteering for food rescue. Lifestyle
The Tkachuks Take South Florida Together 

Matthew Tkachuk certainly knows his way around Fort Lauderdale by now. He knows where to bring his parents for seafood, a romantic place to celebrate his anniversary, and the perfect spot for coffee that fuels the talent we’ve all come to love.  Four years after joining the Florida Panthers, the 28-year-old has become as recognizable

Read More
Two ice hockey players in red Florida Panthers jerseys stand side by side, representing South Florida pride, holding hockey sticks against a black background. Lifestyle
Joe Cox is Building MODS for the Next 50 Years 

Nearly 50 years after the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) began introducing South Florida children to the wonders of science, president and CEO Joe Cox is thinking about what comes next.  The answer involves artificial intelligence, climate innovation, and new technology. But it also involves children digging in dirt, building with their hands and,

Read More
A smiling man with a bald head and beard wearing a dark suit, light shirt, yellow patterned tie, and pocket square stands before colorful windows—Joe Cox looks ahead to building MODS for the next 50 years. Lifestyle
Fort Lauderdale Goes Overboard  

For five days each fall, Fort Lauderdale remembers that its waterways can also serve as the world’s most extravagant showroom.   The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) returns Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 for its 67th year, spreading sport fishers, center consoles, personal watercraft, and yacht-world royalty across six unique locations. The Broward County Convention

Read More
People relax at outdoor tables near a white sports car and luxury yachts docked at a Fort Lauderdale marina. The scene, with banners and umbrellas, goes overboard in showcasing a casual yet upscale event. Lifestyle