Look Closer
Bella
Posted by Viewfinder (Bradenton, FL, United States) on 17 June 2008 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
This is our Bella; I've introduced you to her before. She is an almost 4 year old Shepherd mix, and the love of my life. Really she belongs to our oldest daughter, but Bella came to live with us because our daughter didn't have a big yard for her.
Thing is, as young as Bella is, and as healthy as she may look in this very recent photo, she's developed a serious cardiac condition. One which is likely to dramatically shorten her life, apart from some miracle. She's under the care of a very good veterinary cardiologist; he calls her prognosis "guarded."
This all came as a total surprise. You can imagine the heartbreak we're all feeling at the VF home. Devastation is hardly adequate a term right now.
Our prayers are still for her healing, for a miracle. Your prayers for Bella are both needed and welcome. Thank you for caring.
Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia
As a dog lover I truly hope Bella recovers. An excellent photo.
17 Jun 2008 5:07am
Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada
My heart goes out to you. She is a beautiful dog. I know what it is like to lose a dog way too early. But God cares about all creatures and I will definitely add Bella to my prayer list.
17 Jun 2008 6:07am
Mandy Provan from Johannesburg, South Africa
She's beautiful VF.......this is an excellet shot of her! Where there's hope there is room for Miracles my dear friend!! That's what we're praying for! :)
17 Jun 2008 6:30am
SAM from United Kingdom
so sorry to hear she's not well, I think she's totaly beautiful.
Lovley photo.
17 Jun 2008 8:37am
Betty from New Jersey, United States
She's so beautiful! Bella will be in my thoughts and prayers.
17 Jun 2008 9:42am
baba from BARCELONA, Spain
Has some very expressive eyes. A very nice dog.
A great shot!!
17 Jun 2008 9:54am
Chris from South Jersey, United States
A wonderful picture of your family companion - I will continue to pray for her healing and that God protects and guides you through this difficult time.
17 Jun 2008 10:03am
Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States
Friends, thank you all so much for your expressions of care and prayer. I can't tell you enough how encouraging it is to know people all around the nation and world are thinking about and praying for Bella. I gotta tell you a quick story. I've been pretty sad and discouraged over her sudden diagnosis. It's been pretty hard on me, especially on the heels of the death of our other dog Maggie last Sept. The thought of this repeating itself on our beautiful young Bella has been weighing on my heart and soul. I've been asking God to show me that he's close... Well, this morning, first came all your wonderful comments here, plus a couple of personal emails. Then, I've been taking Bella for a short walk down the street most mornings. It seems to get her perked up for the day. Anyway, today as we were walking I was noticing it was a particularly pretty morning here in Bradenton. The sky was filling with bright clouds, promising some later rain, coming in from the Gulfside. I took Bella down this one street, and was praying and reflecting as we walked. I was thinking about the encouragment of my friends here and elsewhere, and how much that means, and thanking God for the beautiful morning. Well, I happened to look up at the sky and this big bank of bright clouds coming off the Gulf when I noticed in the corner of one of the cloud banks a piece of a beautiful rainbow. Not a whole one, but a big enough piece of one. And at that instant I had the sense that God had put that there, waiting for me to see. And I saw and knew that God is close; that my prayers for miracles and his presence have been heard in heaven. And that today is a wonderful day. It was like a wave of peace washing over my heart and soul at that instant. And just as quickly, the rainbow went away. It was truly like it was there waiting for me to see.
Sorry, no photos. But this image of the rainbow and cloud is etched into my mind and heart. I praise God for this experience. Just wanted to share with y'all.
17 Jun 2008 12:10pm
Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States
Dear Glenn, thank you for your other message and about Bella's family.
I am greatly moved by your story; we need only our senses to know that God is near. If it isn't sight, it's touch or smell, leaving anyone willing, the opportunity to know He is there. Thank you, God, for this ray of hope for Bella and her family. ... Our prayers continue! ... AND Bella, you are BEAUTIFUL! Our Belle sends a dog-hug to you, Bella.
17 Jun 2008 12:54pm
@Judy: Thank you Judy. All prayers for our Bella are needed and cherished. And doggie hugs from your Belle to Bella are especially nice. She sends one back Belle's way.
April from Iloilo City, Philippines
So sorry to hear about Bella. I too have a dog and I totally feel you....
17 Jun 2008 1:39pm
tyan from Singapore, Singapore
thanks for sharing with us and i can imagine the pain that all of you are going through.Thank God for the joy that Bella has brought to you and family albeit it may be shortened. Bella is in our prayer as we pray with the boys every night.:)
17 Jun 2008 2:22pm
@tyan: Thank you so much; Bella loves little children. Somehow if she could understand that she is being prayed for by your family, including Caleb and Ian, it would be a great joy for her heart. Blessings.
Craig from Vacaville, California, United States
A fine looking shepherd!!! I am sorry to hear about her condition. But she is lucky to have an owner like you!
17 Jun 2008 3:18pm
MJ from Delaware, United States
She is a beautiful. dog.. at least she has a loving family to care for her....
17 Jun 2008 3:19pm
dobbino from Cape Town, South Africa
Beautiful dog - and a really sad story. Hope it all works out well for all of you. She looks a little tired, VF, I just trust that she's not hurting. At least she has the love she needs.
17 Jun 2008 4:24pm
@dobbino: No, right now there seems to be no pain. She's just kind of physically limited, which for Bella who was always constantly active and exuberant outside, is kind of tough to take. We are showering her with love and attention. And keeping up our hopes and prayers for her healing.
MaryB from Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Bless you Bella, what a beautiful lady you are. You and your VF family are in our prayers and thoughts. Hugs to you all.
MaryB x
17 Jun 2008 5:04pm
Steven from Chicagoland, United States
The family pet is always an extension of family and the bond can be just as strong. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.
17 Jun 2008 9:40pm
Suzanne Labbé from Granby, Canada
Dear VF and family. It's not easy for me to express what I feel in English but I want you to know that I am touched by Bella's story and I wish her, your family and you the miracle that she deserves. She looks so gentle and brilliant. Take care xxx
17 Jun 2008 10:26pm
Tracey from White Hall, United States
Thinking of you and your family, including Bella. Here's to miracles!
17 Jun 2008 11:34pm
amy from Rocky Mountain House, Canada
I too hope things improve greatly for Bella. I do understand with heartfelt clarity what it is you're feeling right now. My thoughts are with you and yours VF.... and cyber hugs, too. She's a real beauty.
18 Jun 2008 12:51am
Viewfinder from Bradenton, United States
Once again, I thank each and every one for coming here today and leaving such kind and caring messages for our Bella. She's had a fairly good day today, is in no pain, but rests a lot more than she used to. But we're thankful for every good day. Miracles come in all sizes and types. We're continuing to pray for that big one, for healing.
And Bella? Well, she sort of says "Hey!" to all her special Am3 friends, and sends a big tail wag and doggie smile your way.
18 Jun 2008 2:09am
Jen from Alpharetta, United States
My thoughts are prayers are with you, your family and Bella!
19 Jun 2008 4:36pm
Barbara from Florida, United States
Bella you are beautiful and look so loved and cared for. We are all praying for you. Our thoughts and prayers to you VF and your family.
I know too well of having a pet with an illness but with care and love he was with us for 16 years which was a long life for a cat.
22 Jun 2008 1:08am
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
She's beautiful and I'm going to pray and send her loving thoughts every day
22 Jun 2008 12:13pm
Lucca from Cologne, Germany
I'm very sorry to read that your beautiful dog Bella is very ill. I wish I could do anything to help and to make her feel better. On the photo she looks sad and tired. I hope the doctor can help her to feel much better soon. And I can imagine how you are suffer with your beloved dggy. (Please apologize my bad English)
23 Jun 2008 4:59pm
Shawna from Regina, Canada
I know exactly how you are feeling. Our pets are our family. My thoughts are with you and Bella and your family
9 Jul 2008 5:17am
~Kylie~ from Richmond, Australia
Viewfinder.. I feel your pain and will pray to St Francis for your Bella. I too am an animal lover. I will say this to you though, never give up hope. 2 years ago my girl Molly (I also have a Belle :o) was diagnosed with Croptochoccys Neoforams, a fungal infection so bad they thought it had travelled to the brain, that she would loose her sight and it would before long depleat her immune system and she would die. I never gave up hope and I prayed for the dear life of my best and closest companion. She is still with me 2 years on and after a whole year of very invasive and expensive medication, she seems to be cured of the infection (which they told me would never happen). Vets will prepare you for the worst... but never give up hope for the best. My prayers for you both.
23 Jul 2008 6:34am
Rob from Velveetaville, United States
Hello VF... First; it took me some time to go through your photo blog today and I will have to again as I am sure I missed something wonderful in your portfolio, and wow, you have a huge body of very nice work here. You have a great visual chronicle of your life and all that has passed before you over the past few years. I am humbled that you visited and took the time to view some of my images as well.
Second; I looked for an appropriate image befitting to comment on your wonderful Bella and this was the one that called to me. What a beautiful girl she was and your captures show that along with the special bond that the two of you had. It's funny how a dog really ends up picking us rather than the other way around. It is as if they, with help from a greater power, find a way to orchestrate a chance encounter with us just when we are receptive to that encounter. It's love at first sight and it's a love that is very special because it is unconditional. It's not that we don't love others deeply or that we aren't loved but it's something that unless you experience it you just won't truly understand.
The dogs in my life have all come to me right at the time that our paths needed to crossed. They have taught me much along the way and have showed me that all you need is a little love and patience to overcome just about anything.
Thanks again for stopping by and know that there are more of us out that that know how happy Bella made you and how hard it was to lose her. As the sadness clears the wonderful memories will replace the tears and Bella will again bring a smile on your face.
Cheers,
Rob
28 Feb 2009 9:20pm
Nikon D80
1/80 second
F/5.0
ISO 1000
202 mm (35mm equiv.)