Bella Has Passed Away

Bella, our little Maltese dog, passed away Thursday, June 7, 2012, after two abdominal surgeries at the age of three years, nine months. The veterinarian removed 41 stones from a bladder about the size of a coin purse, but the rigors of the surgeries proved to be overwhelming.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the huge void this little dog has left in my life, and it comes down to this. Bella brought us joy. Whether she was sitting high up on the back of the couch, or perched on my shoulder, or lying at the side of the bed, she lived her life pretty much on her own terms. When it was time for her to play, she would bring her toys and drop them by us. (She knew each one by name.) When she was hungry, she ate. When she wanted to go out, she rang the bells hanging on the door knob. (Yes, really.) When she was ready to go to bed, she went to bed. This little six-pound dog was packed full of spirit, life, and overall feistiness. She grew up around big dogs and even bigger people and was never intimidated. Bella was always in charge of her domain. I have said on many occasions that only God could put so much personality and character into such a little frame.

Bella and I liked to take walks together. She would walk for about a block, then sit down and wait for me to pick her up and carry her. It was always quite matter-of-fact. “Carry me now. I’m tired.” And I carried her a lot of places. Everyone wanted to pet her, of course, but she was quite selective. And when she accepted you, you were her friend from that moment on.

Right now there are so many rough edges. We know, of course, that there are many negative situations in our community and world of great importance, and we don’t expect everyone to understand the grief we feel. But right now, there is an empty spot in our hearts that only a little Maltese can fill.

Some people have argued that there are no dogs in heaven.  They are wrong.  Scripture tells us that someday Jesus will return on a white horse.  And there just might be a little white Maltese at His side.  

Bella, we miss you.

P.S. from Shelley:  

Please send your email address to my husband if you’d like us to contact you in the future or if you’d like to leave any comments.  We’ve appreciated your input so much regarding “Bella in Belize,” and we’re astounded that within four to five months of originating a blog, the audience stretches around the world.  Thank you. Tom’s email follows.

tfay5000@gmail.com