It’s traditional to say a few words for our loved ones when we suffer a loss. With obituaries, epitaphs and eulogies, we have a number of ways to say farewell to our human friends and family. We’ve discussed before how losing a pet can be even harder than losing a friend or relative for a number of reasons. We don’t often get to mourn them the way we ought to, and our pets don’t always get the goodbyes they deserve – which is a shame, considering how much joy they bring into our lives.
Lee DiBella recently lost her great dane, Brian, and her goodbye to her good boy has since gone viral. The incredibly touching obituary she wrote she tells the story of a shelter dog who lived his life with zeal and brought love into the home they shared. Whatever pain she feels, she manages to give her friend a fantastic farewell, not just with tears, but also with laughter and a feel of the personality that Brian had in life.
Brian died peacefully, alongside his mom of nearly 11 years, Wednesday, July 12th, under the care of Stone Veterinary Hospital staff. Brian was adopted by his mother, Lee Dibella, on December 19th, 2006, and quickly became a dog legends are made of. Brian arrived in our home with the ability to not only sit, but also “give paw.” Being able to destroy any crate, gate, door handle or trim and molding in his way, Brian quickly began building loving relationships with all those who came in contact with him, whether it be a new vet, animal control, or whoever’s house he found his way to for an uninvited romp. A lover of couches and blankets, Brian had many hobbies. Some of Brian’s favorite activities included barking at things not there, cuddling alongside you, taking over his mother’s bed, licking his butt, acting like a spazz when it was time to be fed, and trying to figure out who exactly was “the good boy.” In his spare time, Brian dreamt violently, thrashing his legs, presumably chasing dastardly felines or squirrels who dared enter his dreams. The quickest way to Brian’s heart was with a quality scratch of his rear, and a rub of his belly. Brian will be greatly missed by many, but none more so than his mom. Through thick and thin, she loved him with all her heart, and though the pain she feels without him is great, it in no way would compare to having never had him in her life. Besides his mother, Brian leaves behind a sister, Dr. Frigo Delilah, grandmother, Jeannette DiBella; predeceased by a grandfather, David; his uncle, Michael and family; god-mother, Jennifer DeWitt; and many amazing friends throughout the years. At the wishes of Brian’s family, give your dog an extra hug, belly rub, and treat.
Brian DiBella was a very lucky dog, and his life was clearly spent being taken care of by someone who loved him very much. Be sure to show your dog a little extra love in honor of Brian, a very good dog.
H/T:NBC Connecticut
Featured photo: Lee DiBella via NBC Connecticut
via Whisker Therapy