?? – 4/3/08
BELLA

Bella came into our lives over eight years ago at an estimated age of 2.  The moment I saw her I fell in love.  This little girl, found running the streets of Harlem was brought to me to foster.  Little did I know she would touch Bill and my life so deeply; we couldn’t let her go. 

Bella (I called her Bella Louise) and when I would sing to her it was “Bell of the Ball”, was the perfect “lady”.  She was gentle, kind, quiet (except when she wanted her bones) and had wonderful habits.  Whenever I would blow dry my hair, Bella would run into the bathroom and put her front paws on the sink.  She just loved watching me.  No matter where she was, when she heard that hairdryer, she came running.  Bella loved to snuggle and “her” bed was her favorite place.  She took her little stuffed toys and would “kneed” them with her paw, sucking on them like a baby.

As with all our bullies, we gave her a wonderful life and she returned the favor.  She was my girl.  Yes, she was a daddy’s girl too, but she really was my little love.

Bella loved to eat and one day, after throwing up, she quit eating.  We knew then that something wasn’t right.  She lay on her bed, just watching us with her beautiful eyes but just couldn’t muster up energy to eat.  We took her to the doctor and had all the blood work run as well as x-rays.  As suspected, the blood work indicated kidney failure.  She was in such a severe stage that we couldn’t let her suffer.

Bill and I were with Bella to the end, holding her and comforting her.  She was ready to go and see her friends at Rainbow Bridge.  She went peacefully and with grace, as only a lady could. 

Bella, why did you have to leave us?  Our souls are broken.  Part of us went with you.  Always know that the time we had with you was precious and special.  You brought such love and joy to us and we will never forget you.  

We will always love you,

Mommy and Daddy
(Connie and Bill Thomas)