10/22/2025
This afternoon I said goodbye to my best friend and soulmate, Bella Blue. This girl has been with me through thick and thin. She and Reed were my ride or die, literally. Now they are reunited and I can only hope one day I see them again.
I remember like it was yesterday when I saw Trish Schmitt bringing her foster dog (Bella, then "Chanell") to the meet and greet with me and Reed. Bella stepped out of the car and I knew she was mine immediately. July 15, 2011. She was a year old (more like almost 2 but we don't count that since her Petfinder listing said 1-1.5).
Fast forward 2 years later and Bella and Reed were my muse for starting Bella-Reed Pit Bull Rescue. They were literally the reason my amazing team and I were able to save countless lives in the 11 years we were operational. So many lives saved due to her. Had it not been for the rescue, I also would have never got into photography and have a successful business: Bella-Reed Photography .
Bella was my little stalker. For the first 3 months after adopting her, I used to say that she had 0 personality because all she would do is sit in the middle of the room and stare at me for hours. No joke. In the middle of the night I would wake up and find that she was at the bottom of the bed or next to the bed just STARING at me. It was so creepy lol. Once she started warming up and not being a weirdo, it was clear she was a total mama's girl. She was by my side every second of every day. And that never ever changed her entire life. While she tolerated and (mostly) loved my other dogs and loved to mother the foster puppies that were in and out, she had fear aggression towards other dogs that she did not know. She went through tons of training, became CGC certified, and worked through her issues to the point where they were controllable. It took a lot of hard work, a lot of time, and the literal best trainer (Thanks, Kim Gambino !)
Bella was my medical miracle dog. There were SO many times throughout the years that I thought "this is it." And then she would always rally. Even just a little over 2 months ago after she got out of ICU I had an appointment scheduled to say goodbye.... yet the day before the appointment she decided she wasn't ready yet and was trotting around, acting normal and playing with toys.
She's been battling chronic pancreatitis for years and chronic kidney disease for the last year and a half and although her bloodwork numbers aren't great, it's her back legs giving out that's the end game. This past Friday her body decided walking on her own was not really an option and needed assistance. It only got worse the last couple days. She could barely get up on her own and if she did, she likely crisscrossed her back legs/knuckles when she tried to walk, and fell. And just like that, I knew it was time. She had the BEST doctor looking out for her with Lindsey Martell.
I am SO grateful to have had this extra 2 months with her. Apparently someone knew I needed her a little longer. Unfortunately it was only 2 months. I wish it was 2 years. And then I'd wish for 2 more.
I don't understand how so many years can fly by so fast. I'll never ever forget the love, support, comfort, laughs, protection, and even tears she gave me through the years during the good times and the really, really bad times.
Today with my mom, I said goodbye after she enjoyed a huge McDonalds meal and a walk down the block in her wagon.
Looking forward to the day it doesn't feel like someone punched me in the gut and knocked the breath out of me and I can breath again.
Love you, Boo Boo Rocket.
"Whatcha doin now?"
7/15/2010 (or 2009) - 10/22/2025
