It has been a long week at our house! We lost our almost fifteen-year-old German Shepherd-Husky dog two days before Valentine’s day. It seems in life that our pets always leave us too soon. Oddly, although her fifteenth birthday would have been on March 7, 2023, February seemed like the month meant for us to let her go. She certainly was the family ‘sweetheart’. We could not have loved her more. She brought everyone in our family so much joy.
In the aftermath of her passage from this earth, I tried to think of what could be done as a tribute to her awesome dog-life, to capture the magic of her moments with us, the playful creature who won our hearts so long ago. My oldest son named her Bella. It was the perfect name. She was a beautiful dog with a sweet and loving personality.
I pondered a great many ideas. I could create a scrapbook of her adorable photos. I could donate all of her things to the humane society in memory of her. I could plant a garden in the yard where we will bury her ashes.
In the end, I decided that we would do all of these things. My youngest son helped me pack up all of her items for the humane society. It filled up the back of the car! Ironically, we had just ordered a huge bag of food that was unopened, as well as new puppy pads, something our senior dog needed. There were lots of toys and blankets, and grooming supplies. It felt good to help these animals who could use all the supplies Bella no longer needed.
We saved a couple of things that we could not bear to part with. She loved her hedgehog stuffed animals and I saved a birthday hat that I liked a lot. Looking at the toys reminded me of how Bella always liked to ‘burrow’ under the table with a favorite toy. Then, when she would come out, the table cloth would be draped over her head. She always looked like a bride in that moment.
These moments always made us laugh. We laughed the time we took her for a long walk, and she captured a beetle in her mouth. She would not let it go, but it made such a racket. At last, she opened her mouth and set the beetle free. She made us laugh when she stuck her nose in the snow and looked like she had frosting on her face. She made us laugh at the beach when she played in the sand and ran in circles.
We are so very blessed with our pets. God is so generous with these gifts of pure joy. Each one is unique. Each one teaches us so much about life, and about celebrating the moment at hand.
I cannot tell you how many times I did not want to go for a walk, but for the sake of the dog, I would always go. She was so excited to go for a walk, winter, summer, spring, and fall. Every day and any day was a good day for a walk.
The surprising thing about our walks together is that once we started out, we both enjoyed our journey. For Bella, the walks were a grand adventure! There was always something new to see and discover. In the world of a dog, there are no ordinary moments. Naps are lovely and should be indulged in. Snacks are perfectly delightful. The outdoors is a source of infinite wonder and splendor. And yes, you should make friends with your neighbors!!!
For most of my life, I had pets to love and adore. They do require a great deal of care, but they give back so much more than you give to them. Their love is boundless. They are endlessly faithful. They are always so happy to see you when you come through the door!
When our Bella was a very little puppy and I had stayed away too long, I knew what to expect when I came back home. One of my cookbooks in the kitchen would by lying by the back door, gently chewed around the edges. They were not destroyed, but she left her mark! That was my punishment for being gone from the house too long. She quickly outgrew that practice and never chewed anything else in the house. I still have those cookbooks and I use them! Now they are reminders of my puppy friend who missed my company whenever I went away.
I thank God for the life of this beautiful creature who brought us so much joy and so much love. I thank God for the lessons this dog taught us. Never waste a beautiful day. Show others how much they mean to you and how much you love them. Be faithful to your friends…they miss you when you are parted.
I look forward to creating Bella’s garden, an extension of my side garden that already exists. Up on a little hill of the side yard was one of her favorite places. This house was her home, and the yard was her playground. We all have favorite nooks within our houses where we relax with a book and a cup of tea or coffee. Our pets have their favorite places too.
In the fall, I will plant a great many daffodil bulbs and pink tulip bulbs in Bella’s garden. The bulbs are a reminder that we must wait for springtime, but new life is close at hand. Like that darling dog that stole our hearts, the garden will bring wonder and surprise. It will be a thing of joy! How blessed we are with God’s good gifts that are without number!
James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.”
Every day and any day was a good day for a walk. Good advice, Bella. My heart goes out to you, Linda.
Thank you! I have lost a dear friend, one who took a piece of my heart. I gladly give the pieces away. Love is always worth the cost. The joy is the thing to remember, the moments of bliss are what we cling to.
What a great story. And I’m sorry for the loss of your Bella. I don’t know what it is about losing a furbaby but it’s always hard. She was a beautiful girl.
Thank you! I keep thinking that I should make sure there is water in her bowl! When we have cared for an animal for such a long time, it is strange not to be caring for them!
Yes, I can understand that.
Thank you! It is not easy! š
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is so hard, but I love how you’re honoring her memory.
Thank you! We spent some time looking at all the animals up for adoption. There were a great many cats! I was happy to see so many people coming in to get a cat! They were all cute!!!
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your beloved Bella. You’ve crafted such a beautiful, loving tribute to her. I hope you will share photos of the progress of her garden.
Thank you! I will share the photos! š
You’re welcome! š
such a loving tribute … you are experiencing quite a few losses š
Gifting her goodies and doing a memorial garden are lovely ideas … I look forward to those photos š
It is surprising how many items one dog can accumulate! š (With a little help from her friends.) I am looking forward to creating a memorial garden. Fair weather days are on the way! It is quite chilly today.
we’ve been having a bit of a heat wave and frankly I’m loving it … but that sun is moving …
š š š
Oh, Linda, I’m so sorry for your loss! Bella sounds like a wonderful dog, who enriched your life just as much as you enriched hers. Your entire post speaks of the love you had for her, and what a special dog she was. And I agree, dogs are a gift from God. They show us what unconditional love looks like, and seriously, there has to be something divine in that…… You are all in my prayers.
Thank you for your prayers! I know how much you love dogs! They do bring us so much happiness. š
Linda, I’m so sorry that this loss has come to you. James 1:17 is the perfect verse for a dog so loved.
Thank you! It is a verse that brings much comfort.
Oh Linda! My heart hurts for you. Try as I may, I couldn’t keep the tears at bay as I read. This reflection is another beautiful way you have remembered Bella’s love and life. She sounds like she was the best canine companion. I couldn’t agree more with your words- “We are so very blessed with our pets. God is so generous with these gifts of pure joy. Each one is unique. Each one teaches us so much about life, and about celebrating the moment at hand.” I look forward to future reflections from Bella’s garden when the flowers are in bloom.
God brings us so many gifts…little bundles of joy that He graciously bestows upon us. Thank you for your kind words! These words, too, are a gift. Bella’s garden will be a happy thing to create, and I am looking forward to it!!!
Your stories made my heart sad & my eyes tear up, Linda. I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to let go of that unconditional love, because it’s so seldom found in other places. Thank you for sharing your heart & photos of precious Bella. Many blessings to you, my friend. š
Thank you Lisa! I wish you blessings also! š
I am so very sorry for your loss, Linda. Pets are part of the family, and people who love them grieve just as for a human they’ve lost. Some are more special to us than others though.
This is a beautiful tribute, and I think Bella would be happy to know all the things you are doing. As well, I imagine she’d be happy to know you understood the lessons she taught: “In the world of a dog, there are no ordinary moments. Naps are lovely and should be indulged in. Snacks are perfectly delightful. The outdoors is a source of infinite wonder and splendor. And yes, you should make friends with your neighbors!!!” ā¤ļø
Thank you! You do grieve for the loss of a beloved pet! I do think we learn much from the canine world. They certainly do live in the present moment. They also let you know if they are happy or sad. It is said of dogs that they are man’s best friend. They are faithful, that is for sure! One of my sons has a dog and a couple of cats…they are all part of the family! š When I come to their home, I never know who will greet me first! One of the cats will hop on my lap, and the dog will come bounding across the room. My son and his wife have two little boys and you would not believe how well they all play together! š It is hard to tell who is having more fun…the kids or the animals. (When the cats have enough, they go hide in a box somewhere and watch the shenanigans.) š
I grew up with dogs, and now I have a cat who follows me all over the house and sleeps curled up against me, so I totally understand. š
š š š
Oh Linda, this made me cry. You so beautifully captured your and your family’s love for Bella. I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. Sending love from Arizona.
Thank you Luanne! I knew that you would understand! š I am looking forward to planning Bella’s garden!
It will be a relaxing work of love!
What a beauty. I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my best four-legged friend last July and I still miss him every day. We donated most of his stuff to a local dogs trust which felt like the right thing to do but we of course kept a few special bits of his for our own.
I am sorry about the loss of your dog! They are such special creatures! All the humane societies are in need of donations. (We did keep a few items also!) š
Linda, I am sorry to hear about Bella. I understand the connections a pet makes in a family, as both of my Ohio daughters have dogs as well. The memories of Bella will continue, and your chosen tasks will honor these. Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you! I wish you blessings also! I like to scrapbook and put photograph albums together. It does bring back a lot of memories. š Spring is getting closer day by day! The warmer days for gardening will soon be here…
What a loving tribute to Bella and to God’s bountiful gifts! I’m unable to have pets for many reasons, but I occasionally dog sit for my daughter. And it brings so much joy and blessing. š
They do bring so much joy! š God is the giver of good gifts and our pets are certainly included. You are kind to care for your daughter’s dog! It is not always easy to find a kennel or dog sitters. š (Some dogs are afraid to stay at the kennel.) We were blessed in that regard and had a wonderful place for Bella to stay when we were away.
My heart goes out to you.. so sad to loose your doggie. š Anita
Thank you! š She was a blessing to everyone in the family! I celebrate the happy times we had with her.
This one really touched my heart. We had a female German Shepherd for 12 years & had to put her down when she was 13+ yrs. It was the summer that we moved my parents from Tyler, TX, to be close to us in Arlington. It was a season of grief and transition, a new beginning of caregiving. Our dog, Cleo, was so dear to our hearts, and I love the way you have chosen to honor Bella’s memory! Your reflections are beautiful and offer wisdom for all of us. We can learn so much from our pets, and the love we share does last forever. I miss Cleo so much! I really appreciate you sharing this beautiful tribute to Bella; it resonates with me. Blessings to you and your family as you grieve this loss; I know how it hurts. She was so beautiful – I love the picture!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Cleo! These doggies do leave their paw prints… Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to me! š š š
Awe, Linda. I do identify greatly. My pal had to leave us a year ago on March 8th. My heart still feels his vacancy. There is no escaping the paw prints left on our hearts.
We are so blessed with our pets! I am sorry for your loss also…a year is not so very long ago! š
What a beautiful tribute to your precious Bella. I can see why you fell in love with her–those eyes! Your description makes clear what a special dog she was–and still is! I like to believe that our beloved pets will be waiting for us in heaven, ready to greet us enthusiastically as they always did when they were with us (Romans 8:19-21)!
Oh, Nancy, thank you so much for your beautiful comment! I believe as you do that we will see our pets in heaven! I trust God with all that I love, knowing that His love and mercy are without end.
Amen, Linda!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of Bella. For most of us, our pets are treasured family members and their unconditional love is priceless. We can feel comforted that we gave them amazing homes full of joy and love. There’s nothing quite as wonderful as that. Hugs.
Thank you for your kind words! Our pets are part of the family, and they certainly give us unconditional love! You are right…it is a wonderful thing! š
I’m sorry, I just read this post! (I still don’t quite understand why I don’t get all your posts in my email, but I don’t.) I’m so very sorry for your loss. Dogs are a gift to us, with their unconditional love and how easily they fit into our family and our hearts. I’m so glad you planted a garden in Bella’s memory…that’s a wonderful tribute to your beloved girl!
So sorry to learn of your loss of Bella, a good friend, l know, and a big part of your life, Iām sure. If you will send me some favorite photos of her, l will see if l can paint a watercolor portrait of her. You can take a look at http://www.mary-oconnor.com/gallery for examples of my work if you want. š
Thank you Mary, for reaching out to me! I know your work is beautiful. I would love to have a portrait of Bella!!! Things are very busy at the moment, but when I can, I will look over her photos! I have a lot of them! š