Simply Bentley

Last week my life long friend Bentley was laid to rest. Here's a tribute to you old dog. I love you more than words can say. 

I remember getting Bentley, at the time I couldn't have been much older than 8 or 9. I wasn't a fan of Bent when mom and dad first suggested the idea of a puppy. In my mind he was a replacement dog for my first true love, our older dog Bo. I just didn't think my heart had enough room or love for both dogs. However, when the man placed him in my arms and his soft yellow fur hit my skin, I was done. Now he was my baby.

Bent went through life with a happy attitude. And why wouldn't he? Most dogs don't get the opportunity to grow up in dolly basinets and strollers. Most puppies aren't swaddled and rocked to sleep. But thanks to the antics of my sister and I, Bentley got just that. From the moment he was allowed to enter the house he was showered with unconditional love.

It was fairly early in Bent's young life that we realized he was an epileptic. I still remember the first time I walked into the garage and found him in a seizure. Desperately trying to help, my mom and I sat by his side, both soaking in our tears, trying to help our lovable pup feel better. Bent went through his entire life  having 1 to 4 seizures a week. I like to think that we not only raised a happy dog, but a strong one at that.

When I think back on everything I went through this past decade and a half it's hard to remember Bentley not being by my side. Even if he couldn't wipe my tears away, he had a special way of always making me feel better. Give Bentley a rub on the belly with pat on his head and you now had a very best friend. He helped me through losing loved ones, kept every secret I ever told him, and always always let me pick what we watched on TV.

I love you Bentley. You're the best dog a girl could ask for.