We say goodbye to our beloved Bella - 30 October 2024

Wednesday, October 30, 

She wasn't just any old Rottie. Such a loving, beautiful soul who happened to be a Rottweiler. Almost by accident - she may as well have been an angel. 

Shiny coat, smiling face, so strong and big. Chest like the side of a building. Eyes forever searching for her new favourite toy. She destroyed them in no time, those powerful jaws could overpower anything. But give Bella a ball and her dog heart was happy. 

As it goes with pets in the Marais family, pets are not just pets. They are family members. All Bella ever knew was an abundance of love and care. Her humans never skimping on giving attention, throwing her ball, regular baths from Dad, taking her for walkies. Together with her brother Angus they ensured many a full poop bag for whoever was treating her to a walk. 

Bella was a fine, fit, healthy 7 year old Rottie in the prime of her life. She carried a dark secret in her body though, one that nobody ever had any reason to suspect. 

Suddenly, completely out of the blue, Bella started convulsing on Saturday 26 October. Nobody saw it coming. She spent the rest of the week at the vet where they carefully monitored her and ran a bunch of tests to figure out the cause.

On Wednesday the 30th the results came back. And it was the most devastating news possible. Bella's whole body was riddled with a very aggressive stage 4 cancer. Worse, it had reached her brain, causing the epileptic fits. 

To say everybody was shattered by this news is an understatement. 

In the early evening the family said their final goodbyes to their wonderful Bella as she slid softly and painlessly over the great divide. Her tireless, happy soul resting easy in death. Her massive body still and silent as she departed this mortal coil, knowing that she was surrounded by her family, enveloped by the warmth of their immense love for her. As they knew and felt her love for them. 

Full circle. 

If you look up at the night sky, low on the Western horizon, you will see a star brighter than any other. Mercury. That is the spirit of our Bella, tirelessly chasing her new toy in the spiritual realm. 

Even as our hearts break into a million pieces as we try to grasp that we will never hear your happy bark again, nor your warm dog breath in our faces, we find solace and peace in knowing this was the best we could possibly do for you. As your human family we take the responsibility of the health and quality of life of our pets extremely serious. And as much as this hurt, it is at the same time the greatest gift we could ever give you. The release from your pain, from the horror of suffering through yet more seizures that your bewildered brain could never understand. 

We release you of your duties beloved one. 

You may rest easy now.

Forever our sweet Bella. 

Our happy memories of you will never fade, our love for you forever cherished just as you cherished and protected us. We were blessed that you chose us as your family. 

Be free now Bella, be free!