Belle

Her name is Belle. She was a true Disney princess. She could sit as still as a picture while squirrels, chipmunks, and birds gathered around her on our deck. She mediated conflicts in the house; she knew when you needed a cuddle session; and she adored her brothers, Breeze and Tucker. She wanted nothing more than to have everyone get along, play with her toys, get spoiled with treats, sunbathe outside, and snuggle with her parents. She was pure love, light, and friendship in a dog shape.

9 years ago, a special little puppy from Pibbles and More Animal Rescue wiggled into our hearts when we met her. She grew into the smart and kind “pretty pitty princess” we cherished. Our “pack” was complete. A week ago, she lost a battle we had no idea she was fighting. It started as UTI symptoms. When it got worse, we suspected kidneys. We were in shock, and still are, when our veterinarian told us she had 3 weeks to live due to the largest transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) tumor he had ever seen. We learned she had used every last ounce of her incredible strength to put on her usual happy face and act normal, for our sake. Her body, however, tipped the scales and she couldn’t hide it any longer. We made the heartbreaking decision to end her suffering right then and there. No amount of money could have given her the life she deserved (and we would have given everything). Her mother, father, brothers, and human grandparents surrounded her as she closed her eyes for the last time.

It sounds crazy but she broke the whole world that day; Not just our world. Mother nature cried a torrential downpour on our drive to the vet, her grandmother’s car battery gave out on her way to meet us at the vet, and a tornado threatened our area. We believe that’s how big, bright, and powerful her light was. Her spirit will live on in our hearts forever and lend us her strength when we need it the most. We miss her more than words can describe and we dream of seeing her again some day. Until then.