Stella was the kind of dog who made life feel like a never-ending adventure. From the moment she was a tiny French Bull puppy, she became her mom’s constant companion. Whether it was a road trip, a vacation, or just a simple walk in the park, Stella was there, wagging her tail with infectious enthusiasm. They traveled to remote parts of the West Coast, and Stella loved nothing more than watching orcas and grey whales breach, her little ears perking up with excitement.
Stella wasn’t just an observer; she was an active participant in everything. She’d hop on the paddleboard with the grace of a seasoned pro and sail off with her mom, confident as ever. And when the waves called, Stella would happily sit on the boat, keeping watch while her mom surfed. On land, she dazzled everyone with her impressive repertoire of tricks, earning her favourite dehydrated lamb or beef jerky treats.
As much as she loved the thrill of adventure, Stella was also the ultimate comforter. She seemed to have a sixth sense for her mom’s emotions, always ready with a cuddle on the sofa, her big, expressive eyes filled with understanding.
But then, life threw them a curveball. Stella was diagnosed with sarcoma, wrapped like an evil parasite around her lumbar vertebrae. The vet was optimistic at first, thinking they had removed all the cancer. But soon, they discovered it hadn’t been entirely eradicated. The prognosis was heartbreaking: less than a month, two if they were lucky.
Stella’s mom wasn’t ready to say goodbye, not just yet.
She sought out canine massage, acupressure, and laser therapy, hoping to ease Stella’s pain. The treatments worked wonders, giving them not just weeks, but eight whole months of quality time. Stella continued to play, snuggle, and show off her tricks, proving that she was still very much the same spirited dog she’d always been.
When the time came to say goodbye, Stella’s mom made sure it was as peaceful and loving as possible. She was surrounded by her favourite people, in the comfort of her own home. The vet (Dr. Jeff Bernstein from Lifting Stars) they had hired was gentle and kind, understanding just how special Stella was. Even her massage therapist was there, performing the "Circle of Life" acupressure point as Stella took her final breaths.
Stella may be gone, but her spirit is still very much alive in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her final day was filled with love, and while losing her was incredibly painful, it was also a beautiful moment, a fitting tribute to a dog who had brought so much joy to so many lives. May her soul and spirit continue to live on in the memories and hearts of those who loved her.
Comentarios