Bella was special. She was a rescue dog, brought home by our teenaged daughter and my sister-in-law thirteen years ago after she was found at a traffic light. She was thin, dirty, and a little skittish, not sure who to trust. A visit to the vet helped us confirm that she had probably been treated roughly in her estimated two-year lifetime. But once we saw her, she became a family project.
A mostly lab mixed-breed with the long, soft hair of a golden retriever, she was such a sweet dog. With her wonderful disposition toward our family and household guests, she quickly acclimated to our home. Initially, she was to be my responsibility and I would use her care to help teach our children the importance of routine and consistency. She would need scheduled feedings, set times for “potty breaks”, and routine attention.
In a very short time, she became attached to all of us. Her quiet, loving demeanor would turn quickly when she perceived a threat to us or our property. She was the epitome of the “bark worse than bite” phrase, sounding the alarm with approaching strangers until they reached out a hand to pet her. Then she would melt in their hands, nuzzling and licking then if they showed her any attention.
Over the thirteen plus years that we had her, she grew with us. As the kids left for college, she took on the role of RV traveling companion. She preferred riding in the front passenger seat, but would settle for a perch on the dashboard for short trips watching the road everywhere we went. When we would set up at a campsite, she would sleep next to our chairs while we cooked outside or walked the campgrounds. When we would leave on a daily excursion, she settled into her spot on the dash so she could keep and eye on the comings and goings of the campsite. One time she even used her nose to open a window and jump to the ground and patrol the site waiting for our return.
As she (we) grew older, she had a much more difficult time getting around. Her ability to jump in and out the car declined as we added a ramp to allow an easier option. She progressed to the point that we would have to lift her to put her in the car. Also, her hearing disappeared and she developed glaucoma, leading to blindness in one eye. All the while, she was playful, loving, and faithful. As we watched her develop difficulty in walking and even getting down a single step to go outside, we knew the day was coming. We have read that dogs give you many of the best days of your life and one of the worst. That day came quicker than we wanted.
With my wife out of town visiting our grandson (and his family), Bella had a seizure. She came out of it but had a really slow recovery. She was having more difficulty walking and could barely get to her food bowl. The time was here.
After talking to our veterinary office, I lifted her into the back of my car and began the twenty-minute drive. In the back of the car she lifted up and watched me drive most of the trip, occasionally looking at passing cars along the way. When we arrived at the office, I had to wait for a few minutes before they could take her in. I sat in the back seat and she nuzzled up against me. When they called and we went inside (I had to carry her in) the loving and caring staff took us to a room where I could pet her and say goodbye. And I did.
The ride home was more difficult than I expected. Driving while trying to see through tear-soaked eyes was not a smart decision. But I couldn’t stop the tears no matter how much I thought the timing was right. She had a good life and keeping her around with her pain, deafness, and near-blindness was selfish of me. She is better now. But the last ride was tough.
Transitioning Into Late Adulthood 
I cry about nothing but this got me!!! I have a 11 yr old they called a boxer mix at the shelter in New Albany. She had been brought back to the shelter twice. When I saw that January after being adopted at Christmas she was back I felt she was supposed to be mine. Ronnie was suppose to keep her with him and I would bring her to my 3rd floor apartment for weekend visits or whenever. That’s a story in itself. I have had Dixie for over 10 years now, she will be 11 in may. I have to lift her into my SUV, she just can’t get her back legs in the vehicle without help. If I could get her to use potty pads some of the time it would be easier than going outside at 3AM but there is truth th the statement you can’t teach a old dog new tricks 🤦♀️. I have looked for a home for her thinking someone with a fenced yard and maybe even some kiddos would be a better place for her but so far no takers, just many compliments on how beautiful she is. Dixie likes to share my people food and likes to sleep with me unless she gets to hot and then she moves to the floor. I am not sure 100% I could let someone have her that wasn’t family so I guess we will just hang in there, should a first floor apartment open up maybe we will move down and that would be easier. Maybe that is what is going to happen idk, but God knows. In the meantime we do have a elevator!! 😊 This has been long winded so sorry for that. I remember that Bella liked Turkey 😊, rest easy sweet Bella, I will miss seeing and hearing about you in your humans post!!! 💖
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Pets never leave our hearts.
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A sad time. Been there, done that
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God bless you for sharing your life with her and for making one of the hardest decisions you will ever make.
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To feel the unconditional love from a family pet feeds the soul. Im so glad you stayed with her when her life ended. So many people walk away when they need us the most before crossing that rainbow bridge..
Thank you for sharing!
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She will be waiting for you when you arrive home , she didn’t leave for good but only for a moment,, Prayers to you and the family I know this is a very rough time! God Bless !!
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You have described so well the loss of a loved pet and family member. May I take this opportunity to thank you for the many years ago that you worked ER as a tech (HCMC) and saved this poor timid naive RN. Almost 40 years later I still thank God that He placed you there with me.
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I understand that very clearly. I had my pug, almost 14 years, she came for my grandkids. I rescued her from a family that had no interest in her. She was the greatest ever. My baby girl. She left me a year ago this past August. Vet came to my home, so I could be with her hold her, say my good byes. One hardest things I ever had to do. But she lost use of back legs, couldn’t see very well. Had to carry her alot, so I knew it was time, I wanted to be selfish keep her forever, but knew it was so wrong. I had her cremated. She will be with me forever. I’m so very sorry for your family.
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So so sorry 😦 We never get to have them in our family’s long enough ❣️
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