Shondra reached out to Bella Bear’s Senior Pet Sanctuary on behalf of her longtime neighbors, Tim and Kookie, who were facing an unbearable decision.

By then, their beloved dog Moose had lost a significant amount of weight. She had tumors, was blind and deaf, and was clearly suffering. Tim and Kookie knew it was time to release her, but they live on a fixed income and could not afford euthanasia and cremation—whether they brought Moose to a veterinary clinic or had someone come to their home.

They had already tried to find help before Shondra contacted me. When she told them Bella Bear’s would take care of everything, they cried tears of relief—not because they were ready to lose Moose, but because they finally knew she would not have to continue suffering.

But Moose’s story did not begin with illness.

Kookie’s daughter adopted her when she was only 12 weeks old. Her name was originally Bella, and she quickly established herself as an escape artist. She repeatedly ran to the children’s school, leaving Kookie to search for her and bring her home. Before long, Bella had chosen Kookie, and Kookie had chosen her.

With her enormous personality and habit of moving through life like a bull in a china shop, “Bella” eventually became “Moose.”

Moose loved children, sitting on people’s laps, scrambled eggs, Vienna sausages—and just about everyone she met. Once, she escaped and ran all the way to the 99 Cent Store because she knew Kookie was there. She simply sat outside waiting until someone recognized her and called.

“She was my ride or die until the end,” Kookie told me.

Now, after a lifetime together, Kookie needed help giving that faithful friend a peaceful goodbye.

I first contacted a mobile veterinarian whom I had hired for previous euthanasias. For the first time, I asked whether they could offer a rescue discount and they declined. So I kept searching for someone who would recognize the importance of what I'm doing, especially since I will be using their services so often.

That search led me to Dr. Brenna Timmerman.

After hearing about Moose and the work Bella Bear’s provides in the community, Dr. Brenna offered $100 off her regular fee. This was our first time working together, and she wanted everything to go well. She carefully prepared me for the difficulties that can sometimes arise when helping a very old and frail animal, so I could prepare Moose’s family, if necessary.

She understood the importance of the moment and wanted everything to go smoothly for the family and for me, since it was our first time working together. Tim and Kookie loved Dr. Brenna, and so did I. Her warmth, compassion, and conscientiousness brought comfort to an otherwise devastating day, and I know Bella Bear’s will work with her again.

On the morning of Moose’s appointment, we gathered at Tim and Kookie’s home. It was heartbreaking, but they were surrounded by support. Moose passed peacefully at home, with the people who had loved her for nearly her entire life beside her.

Afterward, Shondra and I gently wrapped Moose in her favorite blanket and placed her body inside a crate secured in my trunk, where she would remain protected and still during the ride. I then drove her body to get cremated.

Two weeks later, I picked Moose up and drove her home one final time, delivering her cremated remains to Tim and Kookie at their home in Twentynine Palms. She was back where she belonged.

It truly does take a village—not only to save lives, but sometimes to help a cherished life end with dignity, tenderness, and love.

Rest peacefully, sweet Moose. May there be endless laps to climb into, children to adore, and all the scrambled eggs and Vienna sausages your enormous heart could ever want in doggie heaven. Someday Tim & Kookie will meet you there.