Tribute to Bella

Bella Cutts

(2012-2024)

Ready for Adventure

You lived to be 12 years old and had a most unexpected life filled with adventures and places and people. I had you for about 11 of those years starting in 2013 and brought you home on your grandparent's anniversary. You would go on from there to meet more people and see more places than ever expected.

We called you Bella, Belly, and little Belly. Also Monster, Mon-Mon, Mon-gwan, and Minus Pinus. I want to believe you might even think your name was, "I love you, girl," because that's what you heard so often.

Although you were tiny, your personality and heart filled up the room. Your bark could tell us if you liked someone or if you wanted a snack. You were relentless in what you wanted and fearless in the face of bigger dogs. You brought endless love and boundless curiosity.

Embracing Change

You weren't afraid of change and were an explorer of all of things -- rooms you hadn't seen, new sidewalks and paths to explore, and a whole world beyond your leash that you occasionally escaped to check out.

In 2018, you were blessed to be part of another family in upstate New York, gained a roommate you would love dearly, and had an entire neighborhood of admirers in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. You loved the attention.

You learned sneaky ways and spoiling from grandma and grandpa, and you were very loved because they were so good with all their granddogs. At the house upstate, you became an expert sous chef to the ladies there, learning the sounds of your favorite peelers and mixers, and having endless taste tests.

You had all the signs of being happy. Your trot. Your affection. Your stretches and loving gaze. You could say so many things just by the way you stood.

What We Learned

Your lessons and time together prepared us for your final days. You were dignified and strong. In the weeks leading up to that final day, you took in the moments on walks in the yard and enjoyed sitting in the sun more. My little clever explorer knew it was coming before me and took every moment to enjoy the little things in life.

We had a nice morning walk that day. You still managed to bark at two rabbits. We looked for where the big moose used to be at the vet's office. The clouds were whispy and still as I held you waiting for the doctor. You couldn’t eat for us anymore, but you loved that last snack, a Hershey's kiss in the vet's office.

Love and Be Loved

Bella, you accomplished your mission. You gave everything and lived your life to the fullest. You brought me structure, discipline, and love. You did your job, and now it's our turn to live out the lessons and routines you gifted to us.

You were wanted. You brought joy we will always have in our hearts. You are loved, and you'll always be with us. We will move on with you in our memories, and share stories about this big life of a tiny Min Pin.

The love you gave and the love you taught us to find will be with us and many other people forever. That is the biggest gift you could've given us.

Love you, Bellie!

Make a Donation

Bella was adopted from the Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) in Madison, Wisconsin. Please consider making a donation to DCHS in her memory or to your local humane society to help others find new homes.