Saying Goodbye to Bella

RIP Bella

Last night James and I said goodbye to our precious little girl, Bella. Yesterday was also the day that my mom made it to heaven 14 years ago so it was only fitting that my mom was the one to receive her at heaven’s gate.

Bella came into our lives like most of the animals in our household, as a rescue from Munroe Falls Metro Park where James was working. When he found her, he thought she was already gone. She had no front claws and was limp. When he went to pick her up, she let out a slight ‘meow’ to let him know she was still alive.

He called to tell me that if she made it through the work day, that he would be bringing her home.

She made it and soon she was in my arms. Soft and pretty but almost lifeless. Our mission was to give her love and comfort as she left our world. We were able to get some water down her and just a small amount of food. As we went to bed we put her by our bedside, in case she needed us, but honestly we didn’t think she would make until til morning.

The morning came and she was still hanging on. Barely able to hold her head up, she ate more food and we placed her in a comfy cat bed by my desk in the office. This went on for two more days.

On the third day, she let out the softest meow we had ever heard, then rolled over for a belly rub – hence her name ‘Bella’. Each day she got her strength back and we realized she was going to live after all!

With no luck of finding her owners, we started to place her in the system to find a home for her but at her first vet appointment a small tumor was found in her gums. This would have to be treated before she could be put up for adoption. Those that know us, know that if we foster an animal fo

r very long we tend to get ‘attached’ and soon they turn into ‘foster fails’. Bella was no different! HA!

Bella, won our hearts. She was like a ragdoll when you held her and was super shy. Over the years she came out of her shell and eventually came out to say ‘hi’ when we had visitors. She loved drinking out of the bathtub and her favorite place to nap was on one of our laps. 🙂

You’re taking a piece of our hearts to heaven with you Bella girl!! Daddy and mommy are missing you so much already! Xoxoxoxox

 

PS:

For those of you who want to know…

Bella’s tumor in her gums went away but later she ended up developing a slow growing, inoperational tumor on roof of her mouth. It took many years but this past week, it had grown so large that it was growing over her airways and despite attempts to shrink it with steroids and antibiotics it kept growing. We didn’t want her to suffer so we lovingly let her go.

Copyright 2018  Sherry Carnahan