A face we miss: Bella the Great Dane
I miss seeing this old girl at the park — a Great Dane named Bella, who I just recently heard died a couple of weeks ago.
Bella was a familiar white face at Riverside Park, where every once in a while, after standing still as a statue for minutes on end, she’d briefly break into that thundering trademark Great Dane gallop.
Mostly though, she watched the younger dogs, or found a human to lean on — frequently, ever since the time I gave her a treat or two, me.
I liked to think the two of us, neither being youngsters anymore, shared a special bond. Maybe it was just the treats.
Either way, I still miss the old girl.
Posted by jwoestendiek April 11th, 2009 under Muttsblog.
Tags: age, animals, baltimore, bella, bond, death, died, dog, dogs, great dane, maryland, memory, old, pets, riverside park
Comments
Comment from Eighteenpaws
Time April 11, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Thanks for this sweet homage and your personal reflection. Love it how other people’s pets sometimes dig an irreplaceable niche in our hearts. I love my decades of “puppyhood,” but the most endearing memories are of my dogs in their wise, white-muzzled, lean-all-over-you years. If only science could find a way to at least double their life spans!
Comment from jennifermcl
Time April 13, 2009 at 9:36 pm
She was a WONDERFUL dog – and I will always remember her!
Comment from Peggy
Time April 18, 2009 at 3:18 pm
What a sweet, beautiful face. I have owned several great danes myself that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It never stops hurting my heart when I look at old pictures. Such beautiful creatures who gave so much love and who were loved in return. Bella was a beauty. Thank you for sharing.
Comment from SherleyL
Time April 20, 2009 at 5:54 pm
What a beautiful face! The eyes are so full of love.
I have had Danes for 39 years now, and am totally addicted to the breed. I just love the OAPs they are so very much like us when we grow old!
My 2 Danes I have now are both OAPs and like myself have a few aches and pains, so we grumble when we get up, and take life slowly.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful photo.
Comment from Anne-n-Spencer
Time April 11, 2009 at 9:49 am
When I see a wise old wonderful dog’s face like that, I think of a particular Longfellow saying: “Ah, how good it feels! The hand of an old friend.” Old dogs know this. Rest in peace, Bella!