My Bella

My Bella

Have you ever had something in your life that always made you smile? Maybe it is a child or a pet.  This post is about my dog Bella. She was a Labralabradooble and was 10 in human years and she seemed to not have a care in the world. Her tail was always wiggling and the hip dysplasia never slowed her down.  She always seemed to bring anyone’s mood up.

My dog Bella was a puppy of Mali and until this summer she seemed like she was living a healthy and happy life.  I started to notice some growths on her belly. The abnormalities looked like tumors. I then took Bella into the veterinarian to have the growths removed. I had to do this three times because the cancerous tumors came back. It was not until the final surgery that my family and I noticed a significant depletion in her functional well-being as a dog.  She was nowhere near her normal self.  

Today as my mother drove a lifeless Bella and myself to the clinic; all I could think about was the phenomenal times I had with my wiggly butt of a dog.  My father and mother helped her into my car and then we were off to the office.  As she put her muzzle into my lap I could not help but cry.  One of the fondest memories I have of the Bella was when we decided to go to Red Arrow Beach to play catch with a tennis ball in the water. I threw the ball into the bay numerous times before I decided it was time to go home. Bella being the energetic dog that she was did not want to go just yet. Long story short, I catapulted the ball as far as possible and hoped she would tire herself out. I threw the ball may be 50 to 75 yards into the water. A person might wonder what did Bella do?

Bella swam 40 yards past the ball. I was freaking out. I tried everything by repeating her name and even going in the water and calling her.  I thought if she gets too tired she might drown. All of these thoughts came rushing through my head as I watched my dog. Then some guy saw how frantic I was decided to help.  Then lo and behold she decided to turn back around and swim back. She probably swam a total of 90 to 135 yards just in that single trip. After she arrived back on shore I hugged her and we were done.

We arrived at the office. Two of the veterinary nurses came to my SUV to carry my animal to be put down.  As my mother and I said our final goodbyes we let the doctor give her a shot to end her life.  As we were driving back I was asking God why did you do that to me?  What more could I learn from this event?

As my mother wept; I could not help but think of the positive memories and moments that I had with her. All the times she would roll in horse manure or chase after the four wheeler driven by a neighbor.  Those times when she would get caught drinking and eating out of the cat’s food dish.  Then it hit me!

Taking this tragedy a step further in applying the lessons learned to other aspects of life. I have said this in many posts prior but to be grateful for everything.  All those positive and negative stressors or events that occurred in one’s life.  Those moments that nothing could, in the slightest, be appreciated.   Those times where you felt abandoned by God.  Those times where divorce, break up, or ending of life seemed feasible.

Yeah you are probably thinking well da Chad. I am grateful person.  Well, how do you show it? Are you only appreciative to some?  How do you show your thankfulness?  Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself?

Maybe these positive or negative things in one’s life is just God’s way for you to ask what do you want me to do Lord? Do you want me to mourn? What is the purpose? I would never say that God has given us us these things so that we can feel pain and anguish.  I would say God has given us these trials to make us grow and learn to be the best person we can be.  I shall leave you with these final thoughts.  Whenever you are involved in a relationship (e.g., relationship with anything) love with all your mind, body, and soul.  Hug as many people as you can throughout the day and to be thankful.

1. How did I do on this post?
2. What would you like to see in future posts?
3. How can I make my website more fulfilling to you?
4. Please connect with me somehow……