Dear Darlings,

10 years ago yesterday, we brought the sweetest soul into our family. She’s the fuzzy, white ball of fluff in the middle of the photo. Zach bestowed her name on her, and it suits her perfectly. She is one of the world’s most beautiful dogs. Inside and out.

Everyone who meets Bella is immediately in love. She’s nearly perfect in every way, except for actually being a dog. She’s the most perfect pet, but truly, she never learned how to be a dog, let alone a retriever.

No one ever had a cross word to say about her or to her, but now it’s time to say goodbye to our perfect pet.

In October of last year, she was diagnosed with cancer. A large tumor was growing in her nasal cavity, back into her brain. With Claire being at Virginia Tech, we had access to their world-renown vet school. We took her up and had images done to see where exactly the tumor was and if there was any treatment. Stan and the veterinary oncologist talked. Stan and I talked. Stan, Claire, and I talked (by this time, Bella was basically Claire’s dog). We all talked and made the decision to have Bella undergo radiation treatment. The vet said, “on the conservative side of things, it could help to extend her life by eight to 12 months. Maybe longer.” We hoped for longer. We thought for sure we’d have longer than eight to 12 months.

It’s month nine. And the cancer is back with a vengeance. It’s taking her down fast. So fast, and too soon. I want more time with her. I want her back to her old self. But that’s not going to happen. For any of you who know and love Bella as much as we do, if you want to stop by and say goodbye, please do. She still loves all the pets and love.

So, my darlings, love on your pets, hug your kiddos, and say, “I love you” often. Tell people how much they mean. Time goes so fast. Our 10 years with Bella went by in the blink of an eye. But she was pure, unadulterated love, and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. The honor of having her as part of our family was, and is, huge.

xo,

me