Gazelle’s Final Farewell to His Beloved Dog Bella

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to family.

If you haven’t heard the news yet, our dog Bella has crossed the rainbow bridge, and our hearts are shattered. I’d be lying if I said this was easy to write, but I need to get this off my chest.

At 14, nearly 15, Bella was still sharp and full of spirit — a puppy at heart who lived for long walks and chasing squirrels. Sadly, those days are gone now, and all that remains are the memories that replay like a movie in my mind.

The Final Goodbye

On Monday, October 27, at 3:15 p.m., our sweet girl took her final breath. My wife and I were instantly broken. Her eyes fell still, her heart stopped, and the paw I was holding went limp in my hand. The look she gave me just before letting go — I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my life. God, my heart aches for her.

This is the first time my wife and I have ever had to say goodbye to a dog, and it’s soul-crushing. She’s been trying to stay strong for our son, but I know we’re both hurting more than words can express.

For a little backstory: my wife adopted Bella in 2015 when she was five years old. When I came into the picture in 2019, I fell in love with her immediately (and admittedly, with my wife, too). Bella was the sweetest soul — gentle, patient, and endlessly loving. She never hurt a fly, adored her walks, and somehow always knew how to make a rough day better.

As she got older, her body began to slow down even though her spirit never did. Arthritis and stomach issues became part of her story, but we adapted. Whatever it took to keep her happy, we did. She was worth every early vet visit, every special meal, and every slow, careful walk.

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A Lifetime of Love and Loyalty

Bella was my joy on a gloomy day — my good morning greeting and my goodnight kiss. Every night, without fail, I’d say, “I’ll see you in the morning.” She might not have been a lap dog (thank goodness, at 70 pounds), but her companionship outweighed everything else.

READ MORE: The Time Gazelle’s Dog Bella Befriended the Neighbor’s Cat

It’s been a little over 24 hours since we took her on that final car ride to the vet — Dunkin’ Pup Cup in hand, tail still wagging. That was her last ride, and our last memory together.

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The house feels so empty now. Our son keeps us grounded, but the silence hits hard. Her smell still lingers, her photos cover the walls, and her bed sits untouched. The hardest sight of all is her stuffed cow toy — a gift from my good friend Michaela Johnson — sitting alone in the imprint where she used to rest.

Man, my heart is heavy.

Nights are the hardest. There’s no soft nudge, no paw on the couch, no sleepy goodnight glance. But we find comfort in knowing she’s no longer in pain, that she’s running free somewhere beautiful, chasing squirrels again without a limp.

Rest Easy, Sweet Girl

Bella, you were the best dog — loyal, patient, loving, and truly one of a kind. You made our lives brighter in every way.

Thank you for loving us as fiercely as we loved you. Thank you for being there for my wife when she needed you most, and for giving me some of the best years of my life.

Until we meet again, sweet girl — rest easy. You were loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.