Incredibull Stella: How the Love of a Pit Bull Rescued a Family

“Incredibull Stella reminds us that we are here to love, be loved, and be rescued.”
—Jackson Galaxy
 
While recovering from a serious illness, Marika Meeks adopted an abandoned pit bull puppy and named her Stella. Together, they healed each other . . .
 
Marika Meeks fell in love with Stella the moment she saw her. The adorable pit bull puppy had been abandoned in a cold field in winter—but her warm, friendly eyes and boundless affection could melt anyone’s heart. Even so, Marika wasn’t sure she was ready to adopt a dog. As a busy entrepreneur, wife, and mother of two daughters, Marika’s life was crazy already. She was recovering from Stage 3 breast cancer, and her family was still reeling from her brush with mortality. But Marika couldn’t deny the way Stella made her feel—the pure joy of this sweet-natured dog’s unconditional love—and she knew in her heart what her family needed . . .
 
In a leap of faith, the Meekses welcomed Stella into their home, and thanks to this incredible dog, the daily pressures of work, stress, and Marika’s health problems seemed to slip away. As Marika’s cancer receded and her family found renewed vitality, she began sharing Stella’s story with the world. Now an international social media star, Stella helps Marika  to spread their heartfelt message of advocating for pit bull breed awareness,  explaining the benefits of pet ownership,  and supporting shelters and other organizations that save animals’ lives.
 
If you’ve ever experienced the joy that only an animal can bring—or felt the healing power of a pet’s unconditional love—you’re going to adore Incredibull Stella.

Marika Meeks was born in England and emigrated to the United States with her family at age six. A lifelong entrepreneur, she started her first business at the age of nineteen and went on to become the co-owner of a national software company. She brought a new franchise concept to Fort Wayne, Indiana, when she opened the city’s first Jimmy John’s. In January 2013, Marika was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer at the age of forty-one. She traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona, in April 2015 for cancer treatment and ended up settling in Arizona with her family. Now cancer-free, Marika is devoted to sharing the story of how Stella has changed her life while helping as many people and animals as possible. Visit Marika and Stella on Facebook, on Instagram @incredibullstella, or at incredibullstella.com.
 
Elizabeth Ridley is the author of five novels and co-author of four memoirs, including Saving Sadie: How a Dog That No One Wanted Inspired the World (with Joal Derse Dauer). She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in creative writing from The University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. She is a proud “cat mom” to Claudius and Calpurnia and lives in Wisconsin. Visit her on Facebook or at elizabethridley.com.