Reflections on a Blind Doodle

[Thomas, Chari, & Lady Belle]

I want to add my thoughts to Belle's goodby post.  

The decision to put Belle down was one of the hardest in my 71 years on this earth.  Why?  Lots of reasons.  At 5 1./2 she was way short of her life expectancy.  Her first two years were with an owner who gave her up then in and out of shelters.  So her good life was limited to around three years.  The is not a lot.  There was a long shot she could make it with diagnosis and treatment.  But I would have had to leave her at the pet hospital.  Every time I do something like that I can see the look on her face saying, "I'm not being abandoned again am I?"  And I ran the risk of her dying alone.  You have ask yourself at a time like this, "Am I keeping her alive for her, or for me?"  I know I made the right choice.

One of the things that keeps running through my mind is the mobile vet's statement on her adoption listing, :"This is a once in a lifetime dog."  She was.

I guess I should be satisfied that this very special animal was entrusted to my care for three years.  But i'm not because she had so much to give.

I really miss getting up of the morning an hearing her announce in Chewbaca (Star Wars Movie) sounds I better get dressed because she was ready to go for her walk.

Blind?  Most people we encountered had no idea - unless she ran into something.  If she did she'd shake off the sting and go on.  She was a neighborhood favorite with the kids.  She wasn't a flight risk- she didn't know where she was going.  That is unless she heard kids playing in the neighbor's back yard.  She'd charge through honeysuckle bushes and assorted other barriers to get to them.

Belle, I hurt really bad right now.  I suspect I will hurt for quite a while.  But once that clears, I'll be left with these and other memories.  I'll carry you with me in my heart for the rest of my life.

[Richard Crowe]

I feel for your loss but, you will be reunited at the Rainbow Bridge!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

What a beautiful tribute.  I am sorry for your loss and hope your memories bring some comfort.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Belle sounds like a unique and wonderful dog. She will be the one you always remember with love. I'm grateful she had you and you had her. 

[Hannah.]

I'm so sorry to hear about Belle. Just found this while perusing through the site. Doodles are the best and I can see that Belle fit the bill and more. Hugs.

[Debbie and Toby]

Lade Belle sounds like she was a very special girl with a gentle soul....So very sorry for your loss! So thankful she had you in her life!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Bless you for seeing Belle's worth and giving her 3 years of love - that may be short but it is more than half of her life, so to her, it was forever.   May those memories continue to seep through your grief until the grief is a dull ache and the memories are bright and clear.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Bless you. Three years is way too short a time for a once in a lifetime dog.  Roo's heart doctor says she would get another dog if he could be like Roo.  Bella took a piece of your heart when she left you and when you hurt less you will realize she left you a piece of her heart in it's place. 

[Janet & Jaxson]

So, so sorry. You gave her a wonderful life and she knew it. Thinking about you and your family.

[Mark Wilson]

Bless you for what you gave Belle, and bless Belle for giving you everything she had.

[Wendy and Myla]

Heartbreaking as this is, I am so glad that Belle left this world knowing that she was unconditionally loved!  I'm sure that is all she wanted!  I'm so glad that she found you and your family!  I know you are heartbroken but I know that very soon the memories of Belle will bring a smile to your heart!  She was beautiful and touched all of our hearts!