I am walking for my beautiful Bello, his best girl Layla, for the beautiful Georgia and the handsome boy Guinness (both of whom he never got the chance to meet). I am sure they are all fishing with my grandfather today. It is not a coincidence that I am walking in the Moonlit Memory Walk to raise money for The Bello Project and my boxer (for whom I am walking) is also named Bello.He was the inspiration for the program at Home Hospice Association that cares for the pets of terminally ill pet owners.

Bello died on June 2, 2014 after a very short illness.So short in fact, that he died before we received a diagnosis or prognosis from the Vet.Bello and I spent most of “our life” just the two of us and I always worried about what would happen to him if something were to happen to me.I could not bear the thought of him witnessing my death and then in fear and confusion being put into a cage and taken away in a windowless van. Bello was my friend and protector and I knew even in the case of my potential death, I had to be his.

Before Bello died, I was really trying to decide if I had the time and “energy” for this big; conceivably immoveable mountain that we know today as Home Hospice Association.I always used to say that I had a six hour bungee cord attached to my waist, never leaving Bello alone for any longer than that.This new potential project would take me away from home for days at a time never mind hours at a time.

Bello got sick when we were on a road trip to Vancouver.Having to literally turn around two days after we arrived, under the direction of the Vet who treated him out west. I will never forget driving on the Terry Fox Highway with him asleep in my lap. I said a prayer and my commitment was that if God spared him from what in my heart I knew was his impending death, I would spend more time with him and put the idea of HHA on hold.On the other hand, if he died, that would be “my sign” that I was meant to bring HHA to life.

We arrived home on Friday evening.Along the trip home I did a lot of research about what the Vet suspected Bello was “dying of”.I knew that surgery, which was the only option, for him at his age was not a risk to take.I had read about cellular regeneration and decided I was going to “feed his liver” back to health.After all, how hard could it be to keep him alive until his new liver formed?!

My kitchen became a laboratory and I was making every food combination under sun to keep his sugar levels up to try and keep him alive.At noon on Sunday he refused to eat, he looked up and me and I could hear him say… it’s okay “mom” I’ll take it from here.At 6:20 on Monday morning, in his favourite room in the house, I felt him take his last breath.

Since that day I have not taken for granted the gift he gave me; to allow his journey to continue in the care of others.People often ask me if I will get another boxer.My answer is always the same.Until Home Hospice Association no longer needs me, I will continue to be the crazy dog lady in my condo building! 

As members of this team, I am walking in Bello’s memory to offer grief support to family members, volunteers and caregivers who work tirelessly to ensure this life affirming bond between pet and owner is never at risk.

Please consider contributing this important effort. If you would like to register and join our walk click on the “fundraise” button above Bello’s picture.