My Little Dog

Our tiny dog Celli (named “Botticelli Venus” after my favorite painting) passed away January 22nd from mast cell cancer. For several months she had battled fast growing tumors popping up near her mouth and salivary glands. After 3 successful surgeries catching them in the initial stages, she took a turn for the worse when a growth in her salivary gland decreased her appetite and made it difficult to keep food down.

God had planned the timing because she died, much to my shock, on the very day our family was in flight over the Atlantic Ocean back to Wales. My mom took her to the doctor that morning after taking us to the airport only to find out that another tumor was growing. After struggling with her food for days, by night she was barely reacting. When you only weigh 3.5 pounds, days of little food have a great effect on your body.

I have to admit that it was a strange homecoming to Wales mourning the death of one’s beloved dog.

It was always hard for us leaving her in Texas with my parents when we moved to Wales because we knew it would be a dreadful adjustment for her coming to Wales, but God had amazing grace on Brad and I as we were able to enjoy her fully for the 6 months we spent in the US. She was happy and herself until the very end and loved our children very much.

I said goodbye to her on the morning we left the country, knowing that I would never see her again, but God, in his extreme kindness allowed me to be with her for all of her last days. And how amazing was that?

My parents were saints through it all and loved her immensely. They had to say goodbye to their children and grandchildren as they left on a plane in the morning and goodbye forever to their precious little adopted dog as night came around. What wonderful memories we have with such a small dog who held a large place in our heart.

-julie