One year ago on August 31, 2025 Bella, our 14 year-old rescue chocolate lab crossed the rainbow bridge. Our family adopted her when she was four months old from Lollipop Farm, a local rescue organization in the Rochester, NY area. She had experienced abuse at an early age and when she came to us it was evident. Even though she was scared of most everything and everyone (she would hide behind me and shake), she quickly trusted a few humans, and was willing to give people a chance at building trust by doing things at a pace and way that was right for her. Little by little the circle of people she trusted grew, her confidence grew, and her ability to be a dog grew. Bella was fearful of the world, yet she still did things that scared her. She was very brave. The older she became the more her inner puppy came out which delighted all of us – even when she would chew a shoe or grab our snack. Her trusted human group became larger as people gravitated to this big dog. For those who listened to our instructions of how to interact with her relationships grew quickly. For others who didn’t it took longer, if at all. If she didn’t trust you, and you didn’t work to earn her trust, it would not happen. Her needs were simple. Go slow, be patient, offer treats, and let her come to you. In her 14 years on this earth the lessons she taught still lingers today. You will know the people in your life you can trust right away. For others who may need to earn your trust, give them a chance to see what happens. Show the people you love that you love them. After adoption we went back to Lollipop for obedience classes. Bella remembered her caretakers from Lollipop. She ran right up to them – so excited to see these human beings. Bella showed the same enthusiasm ALL THE TIME for the other humans she loved. When we came home she was so excited to see us every single time. Seeing her friends from the neighborhood filled her with glee. Bella loved the outdoors, the wind, snacks, kisses and back scratches. She taught us the importance of patience as helping her become more confident and less scared was ongoing. Little moments became big accomplishments. Us humans learned the value of perseverance, patience, celebrating little gains, and moving slowly. So much in life was scary to Bella yet she still tried. Having a trusted person by her side in these moments made a huge difference When Bella was five another puppy joined our pack. Harry was four months old and Bella, while tolerant, was not happy. Over time their bond and love for each other grew. They became best friends, playmates, and looked out for each other. After Bella died Harry grieved hard, his heart broken by her being gone. Sometimes the who or what that will come into our life may not be wanted, yet it doesn’t mean amazing things, even relationships, can’t happen. Bella showed us that even when life has been cruel to you, keep your heart open – if even a sliver, go slow, take your time, go at your pace, give chances, be playful, enjoy the simple things, be brave, and let the people you love know it all the time. These lessons she taught remain to this day like a paw print on our hearts. This big brown dog who came to us battered and scared taught all the humans who came her way that kindness, love, patience and treats can change a life in the most beautiful ways.
