We sent our sweet Bella off to the bridge on Thursday.
We adopted Bella from a rescue shelter in Lebanon, TN and brought her home to Rhode Island on November 5th 2010. They thought she was about 3, but I think she may have been closer to 5. She had been horribly abused and was extremely fearful of people – especially men. I bonded with her on the ride home (we brought a freshly baked soup bone) and so began my journey with this beautiful creature. The book, On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals, by Turid Rugaas really helped us bring Bella around to trust us and open up. But it was a long slow process. Bella’s sweet gently soul made quick friends with our black lab Diamond and soon she became part of the family.
Bella was not an excitable dog, but there were a few things she really liked. Fetching balls in the pond and swimming really far out, cozying up in front of the wood stove, getting her haunches rubbed, schnuffies around her nose, trail walks, and meal time. She used to do this goofy Stevey Wonder movement when we were preparing her meal. She would pace from leg to leg on her front legs and move her head side to side. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to express herself like that anymore when we took her left front leg away. But I was wrong. As a tripawd, she found a way to do her little movement with three legs just fine. She was never a vocal dog – and rarely barked. She gave a deep throated moan whenever she was happy. At first I thought she was growling – but soon learned this sound meant contentment and pleasure. I would moan right back with her and she would wag her tail in agreement.
Always happy to be in the background, unnoticed – over the years Bella’s sweet, goofy, independent, personality slowly came through. She had a unique grace I’ve never seen in an animal and probably never will again.
I’ll miss her forever. The vacancy of her loss is incredibly overwhelming. She was my best friend and loved being part of our pack. I was worried she might be shy making friends on the other side of the bridge, but we had a little talk about it before we sent her off and I think she’ll do just fine. I asked her to remember me and send me a sign from time to time and she wagged her tail. Bella had a fine dinner, some ice cream and a bone stuffed with peanut butter on her last day. With the help of our vet Molly, Bella passed so gently and peacefully. There was a little smile on her face as we kissed her good bye.
Thank you Tripawds community, we couldn’t have made it through the past several months without your support.
I’m so very sorry that you lost Beautiful Bella. She was a very special soul and will be missed.
Hugs to you,
Donna
Sweet Bella was so gorgeous. Mosby also rarely barked (except in his sleep!) and moaned/groaned when he was happy. He’d talk to us.
I love the image of Bella doing her Stevie Wonder move! I can just see it. And I love that she found a way to do it on 3 legs.
This is a beautiful tribute. She had a wonderful life with you, full of love.
Thank you for adopting her and giving her a wonderful life. She couldn’t have asked for a better family. Rest in peace sweet Bella xox
I am so sorry that Bella had to leave you. She is beyond pain now, living it up at the Bridge with the rest of our Tripawd Angels. I hope you are at peace knowing that you gave her the last gift in your power and let her go when it was time. Hope she sends you lots of signs!
Xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Thank you so much. I hope so too
I am so sorry to hear about Bella’s loss. Run free sweet girl. I know she was met by many warriors and princess warrior Angels.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Buona notte, cara Bella!
I am so very sorry your dear and dearly loved girl had to leave, but am glad for you all she had a gentle departure. Wishing you comfort in your memories, though I know your grief is great.
Lisa
Thank you so much
oh my gosh…I’m so, so sorry to read that you lost your sweet Bella. Your post about her personality totally reminded me of MySweetTed. He was So happy to sit back and just enjoy it all and was so thankful just to be with us. And he was bonded with me as your Bella was with you. There is a great responsibility that comes with being the “bonded” person that all of us here understand. I hope your Bella is with MySweetTed….(and the Tripaw cats) chilling out and watching the other warriors. I miss him so much – and I know you miss her. I’m so sorry.
w
Oh what beautiful photos of Bella and her pack, thank you for sharing a glimpse of all the happier times you had together. We are SO sorry for your loss.
She was an amazing, perfect girldog who was destined to choose a great mom like you. Her time was far too short on this earth, but her lessons will keep rippling through the universe now that she’s an angel.
We hope your heart is feeling a little lighter by sharing these stories about her. Feel free to write more, we always enjoy learning about our Tripawd heroes.
Lots of love & hugs from our pack to yours.
I do nelieve Stecie Wonder had Bella in mind when he wrote, “Isntw She Lovely”,and, “She is the Sunshine of My Life”. Yes, without doubt, they are Bella’s songs.
Just look at those pictures!! There is no one else he could possibly have had in mind!
These pictures will help remind you those last few days were just a blink of an eye in a life filled with sooooo much happiness….soooo much contentment….and so much love!!
Bella really is beautiful inside and out.
Be sure and let us know how she connects, okay? If you hear a Stevie Wonder song in the next week or two…….well….just sayin’
Surrounding you with Bella’s unique grace…
Sally and My Chunky Spiritual Being Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bella is such a special, special girl and I am so glad that I have gotten to know her. I hate that anyone ever hurt her and am so thankful that she found you and had someone who loved and understood her and let her express her sweet personality.
Bella the beautiful is the perfect way to describe her both for that deep chocolate coat and frosty face and her beautiful spirit. We all fell for your girl.
I hope that your wonderful memories of lots of happy days with your girl will comfort you. I am remembering that picture you had posted where she was running out in the yard with a huge smile! She just looked soooooo happy 😊
❤️Amy & Rusty