Remembering Our Beloved Bentley: A Year Without Our Four-Legged Family

A year ago, we lost a beloved four-legged family member, and his absence has left us heartbroken ever since. A few days after his passing, I found it difficult to express my feelings, but I wrote something that I shared here at the Rainbow Bridge.

Pets Are Family

Many of my friends share a special bond with their pets, who are not just animals but cherished family members. Whether large, small, or somewhere in between, they are all loved equally. For our pets, we are their entire world. They don’t have clubs, gym memberships, or social events; they only have us. Their time with us may be short, but the love and memories they leave behind last forever.

Saying Goodbye to Bentley

On October 20, I sadly had to say goodbye to Bentley (Bennie), our miniature Schnauzer, as he crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. Bentley was more than just a pet; he was my shadow, my loyal companion, and my constant friend. I will never forget the comfort of him curling beside me on the sofa, his warm breath and gentle snores easing my worries. He was always there, watching over our family, ensuring our safety.

A Year of Heartbreaking Firsts

This past year has been full of “firsts,” each one making Bentley’s absence even more heartbreaking:

• The first time I came home with an empty harness and leash, and my heart felt shattered.
• The first night I went to bed without my guardian beside me, curled up on his favorite blanket.
• The first time I came home and didn’t hear his excited barking or see the famous Schnauzer wiggle-butt welcoming me—just deafening silence.
• The first Halloween, when no Schnauzer stood at the front door to "guard" us from ghosts and goblins.
• The first Thanksgiving, when there was no special doggie plate to bring home for him.
• The first Christmas, without Bentley eagerly tearing into the Chewy box Santa had left, full of toys and treats.
• The first New Year’s Eve, when I didn’t need to comfort a little boy frightened by fireworks.
• The first spring, when the new growth in the yard went unsniffed, and Bentley's squirrel friends roamed freely without scolding.
• The first May 1st—his birthday—when we didn’t have him to celebrate.
• The first summer vacation, when family arrived, and he wasn’t there to greet them with his tail wagging.
• The first 4th of July, without needing to perform our annual security hug to shield him from the booming fireworks.
• Now that autumn and the cooler weather have arrived, we miss seeing our mustached little boy chasing the falling leaves that dared enter his patrol area.

Cherishing Every Moment

If there’s one thing this past year has taught me, it’s to cherish every moment with these four-legged companions. One day, they will only be a memory, but those memories will be a comforting reminder of the love and joy they brought into our lives. Don’t take a single moment for granted.

A Final Goodbye, But Not Forever

Thank you, God, for the 12 years, 5 months, and 19 days we were blessed to have Bentley, our mustached and bearded little fellow, in our lives. Run happily and pain-free at the Rainbow Bridge, Bennie. One day, we will be reunited and see our little Schnauzer boy again.