HOLLY BELL

I lost a really good friend and neighbor last Thursday. Holly Bell, a black Lab, was one of the first to greet us when we moved to this neighborhood. She and my black Lab Kushi quickly became best buddies, enjoyed romping together when Holly's person Carol and I took our morning and afternoon walks.

I kept a box of healthy doggie snacks in my pantry. Holly knew they were there, and when she came to visit she'd look at me, smile (yes, smile), and sit at the pantry door. And yes, I'd give both Holly and Kushi a tasty treat. When Kushi died, Holly mourned with me.

Holly was smart, too. I remember the day about 12 years ago when my three grandchildren Matthew, Nicole and Emily asked to accompany Kushi and me on one of our walks. We stopped at Holly's house where Carol was tending one of her many gorgeous flower beds. Holly galloped to each child for a greeting, then dashed back to her yard. When she returned she carried a tennis ball.

I watched as she gave the ball to Matthew, and wiggling in anticipation she waited for him to throw it, then hurried to retrieve it. I expected her to take the ball back to Matthew. Instead, she stood a few feet in front of the children, looked each child in the eyes, and graciously passed the ball to the next one in line, then repeated this with the third child. Each of my grandchildren received an equal turn with this smart and loving dog. And each child felt special.

Thank you for your love and friendship for the past 14 years, Holly. I will never forget you.