On March 20, I lost my best friend, my whole world, my constant for nearly half of my life. My best friend in the whole universe is gone, and while months have since passed, I’m still trying to figure out how to exist in a world without her.

Most people go their entire lives without ever experiencing unconditional love. Because of my Bella, I was lucky enough to experience almost 15 years of it 💖

I think the fact that it took me this long to post about her passing says everything. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Even now, talking about Bella still pains my heart in ways I can’t explain. I knew one day I’d have to lose her, but there was always a part of me—maybe the little girl in me—that imagined a world where she lived forever. Not because I didn’t understand life, but because Bella always felt bigger than it. Her love, presence, and the space she filled in the hearts of all who knew her felt far too enormous for something as ordinary as time.

Belly was my ride or die, my ray of sunshine, and truly the best friend I’ve ever had. From being 18 about to start my first year of college until just before my 33rd birthday, she was there for every chapter of my life: my college sorority days, getting into law school, passing the bar and becoming an attorney… through every heartbreak, accomplishment, and every memory in between, Bella never left my side. What a blessing it was to grow up alongside my greatest and most loyal companion.

If you were lucky enough to meet Bella, you know she was the epitome of sass, independence, and fearlessness. She was a 15 lbs Chihuahua with the personality of a 120 lbs Rottweiler, and she made sure everyone knew it 😂 I still can’t comprehend how she fit so much love, loyalty, feistiness, and absolute perfection into such a tiny body.

Bella was the dog that started it all for our family. She was the one who morphed my once-stubborn “no dogs!” father into a man with not one but TWO dogs of his own. I honestly lost count of how many people fell in love with her after insisting they didn’t like dogs. Belly just had that effect on people. I always joked that she was a master manipulator just like her mama 🥹🫶🏻

Our last day together was beautiful. A severely collapsed trachea didn’t stop my girl from basking in the sun for hours and barking at every person or dog that dared walk past her house. Because she knew I’d never be ready to say goodbye, she waited until I left the house before taking her last breath in the arms of my grandma, who made sure to remind her that she was a good girl and had fulfilled her purpose here with us.

In our final moments together after she passed, I hugged her tight to me while singing “Long Live” to her one last time. That always was, and always will be, my song to her. I truly had the time of my life fighting dragons with my girl. And someday when I have children of my own, I’ll show them Bella’s picture, tell them how much fun we had together, and let them know she can’t wait to see them shine.

There’ll never be a day that I don’t miss my Bellinda. I feel her in the breeze that sweeps my skin when I sit outside with my Daisy girl, who I firmly believe was sent to me by Bella so I wouldn’t be alone. I hear her in my grandma’s wind chimes in our backyard. And when I picture her now, I see her enjoying the warm sun beside my Abuelo, the man she had wrapped around her little toe bean until the day he passed. I know she’s making him laugh like she always did and they’re taking care of each other until the day comes for us all to be reunited.

I’ll love you forever, my Bella girl. Thank you for giving me a lifetime of love, memories, and belly laughs. Best friends for life, always, and long live all the magic we made. 💖🌈👑

This is my first time making an ofrenda. It is for 3 of my beloved chihuahuas that have passed away. The top shelf is for Jax (chi mix) who just passed away in April, the second is for Betty White (all chi) and the third is for Barnaby (all chi).

I feel like they were all my soul dogs. I had a different but incredibly deep connection with each of them, they each taught me so much, helped me through hard times and they were all my ride or die partners in life.

While my grief for Jax is still very fresh and many tears were shed putting this ofrenda together, I think it’s a beautiful way to honor, remember and celebrate the special connection we have with our pets. ❤️

Is anyone else celebrating day of the dead for pets today?

I would love to see your ofrendas and/ or hear about your fur babies that have passed over the rainbow bridge.

My chi woke up on an October morning and decided not to go out. She wants to be on her snuggle bed ALL DAY. I have to drag her to walk 3 times a day. I have taken her to the vets 3 times because I felt she was also drinking and eating and pooping less, but they have said she is very well hydrated and there is nothing wrong with her. Is this what Chis do? I only have had her 6 months. I don't understand... Here are some pics of my highly manipulative dog-boss to get your attention.

My baby boy’s, Rocky, ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos. I lost him on December 20th, 2025 and it’s just as hard almost a year later. Hug your babies!! Hope everyone’s babies have a safe trip back home tonight!

Love my little girlies!

Long-hair is 14 and short-hair is 10. Both are rescues.
🩷💜

Often when I get home from work after a calming down period I get Cinnamon nuzzles!

he loves to snuggy with his stuffed animals and he puts his arm around them and falls asleep 😭😭🥺🥺 i can’t believe he’s real like hello

ReinaBelle IMHA took her life. We got gifted another puppy, honestly probably too soon after and as much as im in love with him it doesnt repair the hole on my heart I feel for my baby. I miss you Rei.

November 2016- April 2026.

Keeping the neighborhood safe

My little Nala looks so comfortable I don’t want to wake her up for her night walk. How did I get so lucky to have her? <3

Stuart is always just a babehhh no matter the occasion 🥹

This is Finn, the Finnster, Finnjamin Button, my Finny Binny. He's 16 years old and my first baby. The 2nd picture is his Lump. It's on his rear left foot and it's been growing for about a year now. When his vet had it aspirated they didn't see any abnormal cells, only blood, and his blood work looked good at the time so I don't believe it's malignant. The fur on and around it still grows normally as well which is a good sign, but I shave it down so I can keep an eye on it.

I had him booked for surgery to remove it but due to the location the vet decided she'd be more comfortable having it done by a specialist in case he needs a skin graft to close the wound. At the time, I couldn't afford to take him to the specialist so I've just been monitoring the lump at home. Thankfully it doesn't seem to be bothering him. He walks normally and has left it alone up until recently when he started chewing that foot occasionally.

He's going in for his annual today and I'm going to ask for another referral to the specialist because I might be able to afford the surgery now with the help of my sibling. I'm worried he's going to chew it open and bleed out at home before I can have it removed so I'm keeping a close eye on him. I guess the point of this post is just to vent some anxiety and ask for some good thoughts and positive vibes and what not. I'm nervous for my guy. He hates going to the vet and I feel terrible that he's going to have to go through all this but I think it's for the best overall. Okay, thanks for reading!

Pancho says the sun is out and it's time to shine but first, dad needs to wash his face. My big boy is ready for his walk and to go see his friends.

Tiny, sleepy girl

Yeah, me neither…🥹

Atticus, his chi mix, brother is keeping him company.