Jonah Bell

Pete brought Jonah home when she was eight weeks old, a year or so after he moved to Eugene in 2002.  She became his little companion going on hikes together, trips to the dog park and plenty of pheasant hunting.






When Pete and I started dating seven years ago, I coincidentally became a dog mama at the same time.

As black labs are, Jonah Bell was needy, had plenty of energy and loved people (at the dog park she would ignore all the other dogs and come right back to us). She loved being out on the trails and darting in and out of the woods across the path.

For several years, she would go running with me in the morning for maybe 20-30 minutes. But over time, she started slowing down and no longer wanted to run. So it turned into a morning walk, almost daily, for years.


This past Thanksgiving, Jonah had a scary episode while Pete was visiting his family where I was sure we were going to lose her. The vet did a blood test and said her red blood cell counts were low and white were high and we knew she had a tumor on her back. We didn't do any further testing, but assume it was likely cancer.

I regret that in the last two years as we focused on our growing family, she didn't get as much time or attention as she had before. She got fewer pets, shorter walks and some impatience from us.

When she passed away on Tuesday night, I was surprised how hard it hit me. There have been plenty of tears in our house, loss of sleep and general sadness for losing Jonah Bell. I already miss the things we were so accustomed to... the clicking of her paws running to the front door when we get home, seeing her head poking out the window curtains as we left the house, her grunts or scratching at night as she's getting comfortable, the way she would check on Henry after his naps, and her request for morning (or anytime) walks.


The house feels eerily quiet when we come home and I'm sad for the bond she and Henry were starting to have. So, this is a friendly reminder to appreciate what and who you have while you have it. We never know when it's going to be gone.


So yeah, I miss her. And while I don't think we'll get another dog for at least a year, I already know I want one. Jonah Bell, you will be so missed.

Comments

Heather C said…
Aw, so sorry Sass & Pete! Pets are family and it's always a tough time when they go. Sending love to you guys and baby H!
Oh no. When I saw the title of this post my heart sunk as I figured it wouldn't be good news. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so tough to lose a beloved family pet. She's been such a big part of your daily life for so long now so I am sure it's really lonely without her assuring presence. I'm sending love and hugs your way!!!
Amber said…
Oh Lauren, I am so so sorry! Sending hugs to you and Pete. This post brought tears to my eyes. Especially when you described some of those daily parts of having a pet in the house that we take for granted - the clicking of their nails on the floor and their eager face looking out the front window when you arrive home. The incredible unconditional love our pets have for us is also something we shouldn't take for granted.

You guys gave Jonah Bell an incredible life and she was a lucky pup to be yours and Pete's. Sending hugs to both of you during this tough time. xoxo
Elizabeth said…
Oh so sad! I too got a little choked up. So sorry you guys lost her but she's still near & dear in your hearts & minds. I'm sending you the most ginormous hugs however and no doubt that Jonah Bell knew she was so loved. So much love to you!
Leigh said…
I'm so sorry for your loss Lauren! Losing a dog is so hard and leaves such an empty spot in your heart and home
I am so sorry to hear this Lauren! I know it's hard to lose your best friend, and doing so makes you realize how really special they were to you. I had a black lab as a child and he passed away when I was about 17. I had to take him to the vet and when they told us there was nothing that could be done it was the worst day of my life. He was my pal. My thoughts are with you and Pete...

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