Bella

Dear Lanette:

Bella's death saddens us. And yet, there is a sense of "accomplishment." Chris and I rescued in the nick of time from giving birth by the side of Higway 11, which didn't bode well for her or the 11 pups she was about to deliver. She was dumped in that condition like trash, which is the fate of millions of pets in America. But Bella won.

She would have been one of those nameless victims that flank the roads of the USA, not to mention other countries. Instead she dies "Bella" ... loved and well cared for during her last 44 months of life, mourned by her animal mates and people who knew her, forever in our memories as long as we live. Unlike the scum who dumped a pregnant Rottie by the roadside, Bella's existence mattered; she touched us all.

Thank you Lanette for your labor of love that made Bella's life worth living, making her a winner against all odds. Thanks go also to "Tulsa Pets Magazine" and publisher Marilyn King, who featured the details of Bella's rescue in the Spring 2009 issue, mourning the millions like her who aren't that lucky.

http://www.tulsapetsmagazine.com/2009/04/bella/