Tarra and Bella: A beautiful friendship ends
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee passes on some sad news: Bella, the dog whose friendship with an elephant captured hearts around the globe, is dead.
Indications are that Tarra was the first to learn of Bella’s demise, and that the elephant picked up her body in the woods and carried it to a place where they had spent happy times together.
Here’s how Robert Atkinson, the CEO of the sanctuary, explained the events in a letter to supporters.
“My dear friends,
“I write to you with very sad news. Tarra’s little dog Bella has died. We found her body on Wednesday and have been dealing with the aftermath ever since, trying to work out what happened while we look after Tarra and each other.
“We noticed Bella was not with Tarra at breakfast on Tuesday and later that morning she still had not appeared. Tarra and Bella have always spent short periods apart as one goes off exploring briefly on their own, but this longer absence worried us deeply and a search of the property was started which continued into the next day. The search ended tragically when Bella’s body was found close to the Asia barn that had long been home to Tarra, her five sisters and Bella. During the time of the search our usually social Tarra chose to remain alone, watched over by concerned caregivers.
“Dr. Scott, our vet of sixteen years, examined Bella for the last time and, with advice from the experts from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, determined the probable cause of death was an attack by animals, most likely coyotes. We have sent off samples to see whether there were any other contributory causes.
“Having carefully examined Bella’s wounds and the place where she was found, we concluded that Bella had not been attacked near where she was found and neither could she have walked there.
“As these investigations were taking place observant Caregivers, even more watchful of Tarra than usual, noticed blood on the underside of her trunk, evidence that pointed us in the direction of what likely happened that fateful night.
“The most probable scenario is that during the night Bella strayed from Tarra briefly and was set upon. Tarra arrived too late to save her but was able to stop further damage being done to Bella’s body. With deep sadness and deeper wonder we come to comprehend what likely happened next — that Tarra picked Bella up and carried her home.
“Further evidence in support of our belief for what happened comes from Tarra herself. After Bella had been found, caregivers ensured Tarra had every chance to inspect Bella’s body before it was buried and to come to terms with her death, as this is an important part of the grieving process for elephants. But Tarra was not interested in either Bella or the group of caregivers who would normally have drawn our inquisitive girl to see what was happening.
“It was only later when we had pieced together the whole picture that Tarra’s behavior at Bella’s grave made sense. Our poor, brave, loving girl knew what had happened to her beloved Bella and, in the dark hours of the night as she carried her body home, had come to terms with her death.
“Tarra’s sisters will help her through her sadness. Although we cannot take away Tarra’s pain immediately or the pain of all those that knew Bella, I do know Bella knew true love and true freedom. It will always be so for animals that find sanctuary.”
Posted by jwoestendiek October 29th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, bella, bella dead, dead, dies, dog, dog and elephant, dogs, elephant, friends, friendship, killed, pets, robert atkinson, sanctuary, tarra, tarra and bella, tennessee, the elephant sanctuary
Comments
Comment from Laura
Time October 29, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Such a loving story of unconditional love between two beings!!! It is so full of love and freindship that can never be broken!!!
Comment from Valerie Brooks
Time October 29, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Thanks for posting this, J. I’m crying in my cereal. Beautiful story…
Comment from Maggie
Time October 29, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Bella you were so loved.and missed so dearly! Bless your soul may you go in peace and celebrate the kingdom that is truly yours! May Tarra have the support of her loving family and continue to flourish in the grace of God.
Comment from Susan
Time October 30, 2011 at 12:30 am
I cannot stop crying about this. I hate that Bella died in this manner and that Tarra had to witness it — though her carrying her home is astonishingly beautiful. Please, please take extra special care of Tarra now (I know you will) — there is such an enormous void in her life without her little buddy. Elephants feel so deeply — this will be such a hard time for her.
Comment from berneece boyd
Time October 30, 2011 at 4:47 am
HUNCONDITIONAL LOVE BETWEEN AN ELEPHANT and a DOG . I CRIED .
Comment from Tharindu Muthukumarana
Time October 30, 2011 at 6:14 am
There was great freindship between the elephant and the dog.Rest in peace.
Tharindu Muthukumarana
Comment from Caroline
Time October 30, 2011 at 8:54 am
Animals prove once again how very loving and wise they are, not to mention loyal to the very end. So sad to see you leave Bella.
Comment from Pat
Time October 31, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Our four legged friends understand on a much deeper level than we humans do. This relationship between dog and elephant has been so beautiful and I am so sad to hear of Tara’s grief and her complete devotion to her friend Bella to ‘bring her home’. My heart goes out to all of the caregivers at the Elephant Sanctuary. Rest easy Bella, your work is done.
Comment from Bianca
Time November 1, 2011 at 11:42 am
Oh how sad to read this. I remember seeing them playing on TV. Rest in Peace dear Bella.
Comment from Shelley
Time November 2, 2011 at 5:23 am
A true love story to inspire us all. Have you read “The Art of Racing in the Rain?” Another great love story…with a memorable ending.
Comment from sonja
Time November 2, 2011 at 3:12 pm
this is such a sad ending to a beautiful friendship
Comment from Sheri
Time November 2, 2011 at 3:47 pm
RIP little Bella.
Comment from Linda Garcia Leyva
Time November 2, 2011 at 6:07 pm
My prayers are with Tarra and Bella. This was a relationship no one can match. Unconditional love…we should learn from them. God Bless all at the Sactuary for your hard work. I cried!
Comment from Megan
Time November 3, 2011 at 10:16 am
This is heartbreaking .. I’ve been watching videos of the two non-stop the last couple days, and just went to research more infortmation on the pair when I found this. I truely feel sorry for Tarra, and can only imagine the pain and sorrow she is going through..
I’m at loss for words right now..
Comment from Megan
Time November 3, 2011 at 10:19 am
I can’t stop crying.
Comment from Marisa
Time November 4, 2011 at 7:13 pm
Thank you for sharing the story – such a spontaneous and selfish friendship. Bella will be dearly missed! Please take good care of Tarra, she will need a lot of support.
Comment from Ray
Time November 4, 2011 at 7:54 pm
So touching. I just learned about Bella. I remember when these two first came into my life through CBs and it was so touching then.
even more so touching now but so sad to see. Cant stop crying. When the time is right, Tarra will find a new companion much as we do when we lose a pet.
Comment from Becky
Time November 4, 2011 at 10:03 pm
So sad for poor Tarra. She lost her best friend. She will need lost of love and support, take care of her.
Comment from Charlee
Time November 4, 2011 at 11:22 pm
It’s so sad to think that Bella must have died a very painful death. I know she must have been holding out hope that Tarra was close by and would come save her. When Tarra found Bella, there may still have been some life left in her. I hope they had their chance to say goodbye and show how much love and trust they had for each other. I firmly believe animals are far more intelligent than we give them credit. I hope one day that Tarra will find another stray to love and care for. Bless you Tarra, for bring her back home and for doing your best to be her loving friend and protector. The humans who know of you, think you are a wonderful example of what love should be. You are in my heart and prayers.
Comment from Charlotte
Time November 5, 2011 at 10:52 am
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Bella’s bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly Bella begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and Bella finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress her beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Rest In Peace Sweet Bella
10-26-2011
Comment from Mary Jane
Time November 5, 2011 at 2:42 pm
How sad!, I would have preferred for BELLA to have died of old age, and not attacked by cayotes. She didn’t deserved to die that way. For Tarra to have carried her home is admirable! My love to you all, keep up the great work you all do.
Comment from Wanda
Time November 5, 2011 at 5:52 pm
I am still crying over this. Tarra and Bella, you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you always.
Comment from Sara
Time November 5, 2011 at 7:17 pm
My heart goes out to Tarra and she will be in my prayers, as will all of you at the Sanctuary.
Comment from Leslee
Time November 5, 2011 at 8:43 pm
My daughter and I have read the book and were so sad to hear of this story. Did not want bellas life to end this way. Such true love and loyalty. I commend the owners for not selling their story to Disney and others to make a ton of money!!!! They stayed true to their cause!!! Bravo!! Leslee
Comment from Christie
Time November 6, 2011 at 8:33 am
It is so sad and such a tragedy.
It is such a deep honor and a testament to their relationship. Elephants take their dead more to heart than most and that Bella was such a part of their lives, that she would honor her in such a way. Elephant burial is still a mystery to us, but, the honor that was bestowed upon her is immeasurable.
Tarra’s grief was initially dealt with, as only elephants can and do, by bestowing such an honor.
I grieve for both of them. The loss of Bella and the sadness Tarra feels.
Comment from Cheryl
Time November 6, 2011 at 3:16 pm
This is such a beautiful story. I remember the story of when Bella had been injured and Tarra stayed close and worried over her friend. The thought that she carried her friend home is just so touching, it makes me cry every time I think about it. What a beautiful friendship they had. I hope that in time Tarra’s loss will become easier for her. I’m so sorry for you all.
Comment from JoRene Johns
Time November 6, 2011 at 9:09 pm
So saddened by the news. Why does such bad things have to happen. Prayers go out to everyone involved. The elephant sanctuary is a wonderful place for all the animals. Bless you.all.
Comment from Mary
Time November 8, 2011 at 12:54 am
Little Bella and Tara will remain in my heart always. I sob every day over this story.
Comment from Lori
Time November 8, 2011 at 2:21 pm
I’m devastated…for the dog and the elephant. RIP Bella you brave girl you! You guys we reunite in heaven!
Comment from Rod KnaPP
Time November 13, 2011 at 12:13 pm
I.m so move by this, I’m a man and at the age of 56 and with my own loses can’t stop crying also. The understanding the we as humans think we now know everything and animal are just that animals, are to make ourselves so little on this earth, with no idea of how big the hearts and minds of of these creatures are. We cannot ever think we have all the answers and are greater than anything else. Because they being the animals do not destroy the earth they just try to survive and love each other in there own way. With a great friendship they had and the hurt of the love that is lost. My deep sincere sadness for Terra and her loss. With hope that someday Terra can find a new buddy to love and cherish. Like maybe a New Dog Friend maybe? I would hope this brings us all together to realize how precious life is in all forms and not to take it likely or for granted. Bless you all who this effects and my thoughts and prayers are with you all … Bella will be missed Thankyou caretakers for sharing this..
Please let us know how Terra is doing in the future, It would be greatly appreciated.
Comment from Stephanie
Time November 13, 2011 at 3:45 pm
The sadest thing in the world is to say goodbye to those we love. Elephants share the same problem we people have. We live so long that we outlive many we love, including our wonderful dogs. Upon hearing of Bella’s demise, I can not stop crying, remembering five amazing dogs that have preceeded me. I hope that Tara, like me will keep her heart’s “dog spot” filled and choose to love another dog. I wish I could comfort her.
Comment from Shannon
Time November 13, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Such a touching story that I saw today on Sunday Morning. I have also lost a beloved pet. It doesn’t matter that it has been 3 years, it is still painful. I feel heartbroken for Tara.
Comment from justin
Time November 13, 2011 at 8:44 pm
RIP. This story broke my heart.
Comment from Susan Myers
Time November 13, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I am so sad over the loss of Bella, I hope Tarra will be Ok.
Comment from Lisa Korell
Time November 14, 2011 at 3:31 pm
It would be so selfish to focus on my sadness over the loss of Bella. My heart goes out to Tara. How hard it is for each moment to be without the one she loves. I hope and pray she finds great comfort in her sisters and as time passes the healing begins. No matter what or who replaces Bella it will never be the same. I know she is greatful for the time she has had. Maybe just maybe the tears she shed will someday be replaced with joy for what she finds now that will make her happy. My one hope is that she can be given a new added dog friend that will lover her as Bella did.
Comment from Jaret Elizabeth
Time November 23, 2011 at 2:53 pm
Elephants could teach us more in a day then a teacher could in our 12 years of school, their grace apon life, and their loving of each moment. Elephants could go threw life without anything, and give up it’s everything.
This story of two friends goes beyond beliefs.
It is so sad the cause of death on poor Bella, i can’t even imagine the pain she went through, and the beauty that tara understands and gives so much respect to bella even after death, i wish i was half the person that these too were, they should be a roll model to all people around the world, forever rest in peace and in our hearts Bella</3
Comment from Chirp Winter
Time December 1, 2012 at 12:17 pm
There is no other love story so special. Tara’s loss is unmeasurable. I hope she will find another friend to never replace Bella but to help bring her comfort. Only the other elephants truly understand the depth of her sorrow.
Comment from Frank L. Wright
Time December 5, 2012 at 8:01 pm
That just made a tear in this old mans eyes and heart. I don’t know what I would do if, when, the time comes when I lose the love of MY life!
Comment from meg
Time December 6, 2012 at 11:15 pm
Friendship is a beautiful part of life and in circumstanes such as these, that strong bond can bring beauty even in death. I am so sorry to hear of this-my heart to every one and tarra!
Comment from meg
Time December 6, 2012 at 11:16 pm
A bond like this never ends….
Comment from Scott Cunningham
Time December 7, 2012 at 1:44 am
Farewell to a noble animal.
Comment from Kelly
Time October 29, 2011 at 12:18 pm
So sad…