Today our Ella completed her time on Earth. She fought the good fight; she has finished the race.
Mission accomplished, our beloved furball.
Born on June 4, 2005, our little Havanese came home to us on August 24, 2009.
Here she meets Emma for the first time.
Once acclimated to our household, Ella took on the role of Security Chief, barking when the doorbell rang, barking when guests came over, and barking whenever anyone walked past the house. I even cut a hole in the front shrubbery so she had a clearer field of vision. Halloween night was the Great Barkfest, what with the constant parade of trick-or-treaters.
She also liked to know where each of us was at all times. She would wander the house, upstairs and down, making sure we were present and accounted for. If one was missing from her count, she would sit staring at the back door until the lost sheep returned.
She did not like fireworks and most definitely did not like thunderstorms. On stormy nights she would want up in the bed with us, then she would want down. This would repeat until she exhausted herself. While on the bed she would spend her time walking over us and scratching my head to get to my pillow. Sleep was not to be had on those nights.
Her favorite human food was liverwurst. She also loved all types of cheeses. But I can's say she was picky - I don't recall her walking away from anything we gave her.
When she was younger, she would jump up on the sofa and take it over - if she was in your spot you moved, not her. As she got older and her jumping ability diminished, we bought her some steps and taught her how to climb up. She was a fast learner and was soon up and down with ease.
We bought her several dog beds for sleeping, which she would invariably sleep next to but not in or on.
Ella was was 18.5 years old when she passed, which is about 90 in human years. She well exceeded the 14.5-year average lifespan of her breed. We chalk this up to the staples of her diet - grilled nuggets from Chick-fil-A, steak from Taste of Texas, and fajitas from Chuy's.
Ella, rest in peace. You have completed your mission - you made our world a better place.
You will not be forgotten, but will live on in our hearts and memories.
Godspeed, you wonderful dog. Godspeed, Ella.
