To my Bentley Bear 7.24.13 – 4.1.23

It’s hard to put into words what this guy meant to us. He really gave all he had without receiving a whole lot in return. You might say he over generoused on the loving bit, often surprising people with how happy he was to see them. He endured many a toddler pull or tug, jump or climb. He was their makeshift seat. He was my morning buddy. We called him Butler Bentley cause he was always at the window watching you pull away, and there to greet you when you returned. He had the best, biggest bark. He loved when everyone was together and even more when everyone was together outside. He loved the sun. He loved the beach. He loved to run. He was a majestic runner. He was a goof. He used to prance around on the driveway, flinging his wubba up into the air and pouncing on it. We called it his buffalo dance. He loved to be in the middle of a hug. His excitement got him called the worst dog many a time, but as John Grogan says, there’s no such thing as a bad dog, just a bad owner. Despite all his neglect and the crazy that surrounded him, if you waited around long enough, you knew he was the best dog. He might carry your shoe around and leave it in the middle of the yard but he would never chew it. He was just one of those guys that was there. Always there. Offering his quiet presence in love. And I sure miss it. I hope he’s running to his heart’s content, leash-less and with no more pain. We sure loved you, Belly. Thank you for being the best dog to this crazy, distracted family <3 We miss you terribly

Mom wanted a video so here ya go ;) ps – first shot, just sleeping… he was notorious for stubbornly lying in or in front of doors :)