Bella

2010 - 2026

Today we said goodbye to our sweet Bella.

Bella came into my life when the kids were only 8 years old, and for 16 1/2 years she was woven into our family. She was there for childhood, school years, growing up, changes, hard seasons, quiet days at home, and so many ordinary moments that now feel anything but ordinary.

She had a lot of names… Bella, Duppy, Dupper, Bellsie… but to me, she was simply my best friend. She was sweet, quirky, loyal, stubborn, high maintenance, and low-energy with Big Dog swagger, in the way only Bella could be. And she was completely loved.

Bella was my shadow. My Velcro pup. Whatever room I was in, she was usually there too… close by, watching, following, keeping me company, making sure I was never really alone. Through some of life’s harder changes, she stayed right by my side. She was my constant companion, my comfort, and my heart.

I famously said, “We don’t need a dog.” But I did. I needed her.

She gave a hundred times more than she ever took.

The house feels instantly different without her. There is an ache and an emptiness where she used to be, and it is hard to believe she is not right here beside me. But more than anything, I am grateful… grateful that she came to us, grateful for every year we had with her, and grateful for the love she gave so freely.

Rest easy, sweet Bella. You were such a good girl. We love you always.