a goodbye to Bella

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This is a bit of a sad one (pet loss and feelings), so please skip if that’s what serves you best right now!


This week, we mostly unexpectedly* lost Bella, our 12-year-old Maltese Yorkshire Terrier mix. 


* “mostly unexpectedly” because Bella was part of the senior population of pups and had some health challenges, but ones we’d thought were more of a “in the next year or so” conversation…


Bella was my parents’. Right after I had Lil Momma, they decided to get another dog and no matter how I begged them to get an old and slow dog for their older and slower years, my dad took one look at a Morkie puppy and that was the end of that. 


They called her “Bella from Hella” because she was such a handful, especially after we lost my dad. She ate baby LM’s socks, bit all of us, and tripped my mom multiple times. I tried to get Mom to work with a trainer, but she somehow ended up with a pet psychic who would tell us how Bella communed with my dad and wanted more respect around the house, both of which could have been true…



Bella came to my little family for good right before the pandemic when we figured out my mom could no longer care for her. She had food aggression, anxiety, and was overwhelmed by our house and its sounds and pace (especially when we were all working/schooling from home). The first bit was pretty rough and it took a long time for us to be in the kitchen when she ate or have anyone over. But, we did the work (and did a lot of research on how to help her), and she eventually settled into our house. 


It took a few years, but she found her spots and settled in for treats and sunbeams and even a pat every now and then. My mom never gave her toys so she paid them no mind, but she loved to curl up on a blanket, sleep all day next to the Mr’s desk, and enjoyed our yearly holiday jams pictures without a fight. It was the time of her life!


Bella disliked Maysie intensely and Maysie was obsessed with Bella. May even tried to throw her toys over the gates while Bella gutturally growled at her, sigh. Although they were never BFFs, I hoped someday they would reach “a friend from work” status. Maysie has been so confused this week with all the gates open and first floor freedom…


Bella was not a dog we wanted, but was the dog we got (and maybe was a dog we needed). She was so loved, even when she was persnickety, and is so missed by our household. 


Pet your pets, friends, and be so grateful for the time we get with them! 

Comments

  1. Birchwood PieOctober 8, 2026 at 6:27 PM

    Lindsay, I'm so sorry for your loss. Dogs are perfect of course, but they are also like people in that they have their quirks which may not be so perfect (ask me how I know...). And we love them just the same.

    I'm glad that you have Maysie and I know that she's up to the task of extra snuggle duty during your time of grief <3

    ReplyDelete
  2. ElisabethOctober 9, 2026 at 4:29 AM

    I'm so sorry, Lindsay. Saying goodbye to someone you love—even in the relationship has some complicated bits... don't they all—is so very hard.

    Hugs to you and your family. <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. NicoleOctober 9, 2026 at 5:23 AM

    I'm so sorry, Lindsay! You gave Bella a good home and did so well by her. Sending lots of love. xo

    ReplyDelete
  4. SusanneOctober 9, 2026 at 10:46 AM

    Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss, Lindsay! I'm not sure I knew about Bella. I thought Maysie was your first and only dog! It's so hard to lose a pet. Sending hugs to all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. NGSOctober 9, 2026 at 11:43 AM

    Oh, no! When pets die, there's such a big hole in the family. I'm so sorry. I hope it brings you comfort to know she was loved and cared for. Hugs to all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JennyOctober 12, 2026 at 4:59 PM

    Noooo. I'm sorry Lindsay! I love the story of Bella. Yes, our pets are not perfect- we've had some difficult ones- but we love them anyway. And then it's just so sad when they're gone. Poor Maysie, looking for her "friend," ha.
    I'm sure the loss of Bella had left a hole in your household. Even if they're curled up on a blanket sleeping all day, their personalities somehow permeate the house. Sending hugs <3

    ReplyDelete
  7. StephanyOctober 16, 2026 at 4:40 PM

    Oh, little Bella. I'm so sorry. Losing a pet is one of the hardest things. Sending you lots of love.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnneOctober 25, 2026 at 12:58 PM

    You already know how sad I am about this, my friend. It sounds like you got the dog you needed and the dog got the family she needed. So glad you had the chance to show her so much love and care. <3

    ReplyDelete

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