Anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog to death knows the emotional pain. When our dogs die, a little bit of us has been chipped away. Days, weeks and even months later, we imagine we see them walking around the house, begging for a treat or still cuddled up on our pillow in our own bed. For many dog parents, the loss of our canine companions to death is the loss of a family member; it takes time to heal although we never forget.
Brian the dog Courtesy Lee Dibella
On July 12, Lee DiBella, of Watertown, Connecticut, lost her beloved dog of 11-years, Brian. According to NbcNews, Lee wrote an obituary for Brian; yes it was sad, but the humor captured the essence of her adopted dog – a pointer, Lab and greyhound mix from the Animal Rescue Foundation in Terryville.
Lee begins:
“Brian died peacefully, alongside his mom of nearly 11 years, Wednesday, July 12th, under the care of Stone Veterinary Hospital staff. Brian was adopted by his mother, Lee Dibella, on December 19th, 2006, and quickly became a dog legends are made of. Brian arrived in our home with the ability to not only sit, but also “give paw.”
Lee later added that Brian never did figure out the command ‘stay.’ The lovable pooch won everyone’s heart:
“Being able to destroy any crate, gate, door handle or trim and molding in his way, Brian quickly began building loving relationships with all those who came in contact with him, whether it be a new vet, animal control, or whoever’s house he found his way to for an uninvited romp.”
And more about Brian’s wants and needs:
“A lover of couches and blankets, Brian had many hobbies. Some of Brian’s favorite activities included barking at things not there, cuddling alongside you, taking over his mother’s bed, licking his butt, acting like a spazz when it was time to be fed, and trying to figure out who exactly was “the good boy.” In his spare time, Brian dreamt violently, thrashing his legs, presumably chasing dastardly felines or squirrels who dared enter his dreams. The quickest way to Brian’s heart was with a quality scratch of his rear, and a rub of his belly. Brian will be greatly missed by many, but none more so than his mom.”
Brian the dog
Courtesy Lee Dibella
And then came the part of the dog’s obituary that draws us in and reminds us of losing one of our best friends:
Brian will be greatly missed by many, but none more so than his mom. Through thick and thin, she loved him with all her heart, and though the pain she feels without him is great, it in no way would compare to having never had him in her life. Besides his mother, Brian leaves behind a sister, Dr. Frigo Delilah, grandmother, Jeannette DiBella; predeceased by a grandfather, David; his uncle, Michael and family; god-mother, Jennifer DeWitt; and many amazing friends throughout the years. At the wishes of Brian’s family, give your dog an extra hug, belly rub, and treat.
According to People, Lee adopted Brian when he was two-years-old. A local woman had found him with a lot of wounds and fostered him. It seems the pooch has a lot of issues – his anxiety made him un-adoptable, but Lee put up with quirks and couldn’t even consider anyone putting him down. And for years, the two lived together helping each other through serious illness. A few months ago, the senior pup came down with pneumonia, and despite numerous antibiotic treatment, the dog continued to go downhill. Sadly on his second round of therapy, Brian took a downward turn, however he attended the July 4th celebration with humans and dogs and had that celebratory day Lee will always remember.
Brian the dog
Courtesy Lee Dibella
Have you hugged your dog today? If not, please do it now. Rest in peace Brian. You will be missed.
(Photos of Brian after obituary about his death by Lee Dibella and People)
Where did this pit bull end up after being stolen from a shelter? Watch the video here.
