Bella Maxine (Jolene, Ricky-Bobby, Debo, Regina, Vera) Roadruck

Bella’s “Gotcha Day” was March 5, 2022, this is the day Bella became part of our family. This was also the same day we learned Bella really liked the finer things in life, like cheeseburgers. Bella quickly settled into her home, family and our hearts becoming a little sister to her human brothers and an older fur sister. Bella was an aunt to her favorite human child, even though they disagreed about who got to sit on dad/papaw’s lap. Bella learned family routines like she had always been there, making it obvious she was one of the family. Bella became a big sister when fur brother Felix joined our family, they loved one another immeasurably although neither would admit it.

During Bella’s initiation to the family, she was initially given the middle name “Maxine” because she reminded mom of “Max” from the “Grinch”. Through the years Bella acquired many other middle names through her personality, strong will and spunk (and a couple just because).

Bella’s second middle name “Jolene” was the name Bella earned because she took over mom’s spot next to dad, fairly quickly.

Bella’s third middle name “Ricky Bobby” followed because we all know “If you’re not first, you’re last” and Bella took that sentiment to heart when it was time for treats.

Bella acquired the fourth middle name “Debo” because she “Debo’d” her place in the treat line, on the couch and in the bed, at times.

Bella’s fifth middle name “Regina” came from dad who just threw it in one day.

And last but not least, Bella’s sixth middle name “Vera” came because Bella had an uncanny resemblance to “Vera DeMilo” from “In Living Color” when her hair was in pigtails.

Bella had a large personality, and a tender heart with a tough exterior, the middle names Bella received reflected that.

Bella didn’t mind car rides; she liked to be outside so she could pee on mole hills or large leaves that had fallen into the yard. Bella went to work with mom and looked forward to break time when she was able to go sniff the yard and see who/what had been in HER area.

Bella enjoyed pig ears, and other tasty treats, which Felix always made sure he and Bella got on a regular, routine basis. Bella loved/tolerated Felix, most of the time, but she was appreciative that he didn’t let the parents forget his and Bella’s highly anticipated “night-night treats”.

Bella went into a whole security mode and took pure enjoyment in barking at squirrels, deer or the random neighbor dog who came into HER yard. No one could tell Bella she was a 7-pound poodle.

Bella never turned down the chance for bites of a fast-food cheeseburger, and she loved it when there was an opportunity to get some Arby’s roast beef.

Bella’s favorite time of any day was when she would cuddle up next to her people (usually by her dad, showing those “Jolene” moments).

There is not much known about Bella’s life prior to joining ours, other than she lived in or around Maryland and had an older fur brother that she had been raised with since puppyhood. Bella was surrendered at a shelter when she was 10 years old on Valentine’s Day 2022 for being “aggressive” with her older brother.

Bella would flinch if you raised a hand too quickly to pet her or pick her up. Even with the seemingly traumatic incidents that Bella had to endure she let us love her, and she loved us. Bella was able to trust humans when they may not have always been kind to her. I can only hope the four years Bella was physically part of our family helped heal some of those unkind memories or reactions that still haunted her.

We thank Sophia’s Grace Foundation for rescuing Bella from the shelter and for their tireless love, care and commitment to Bella and all the dogs they rescue. We have special appreciation for Sophia’s Grace Foundation, who allowed us to be Bella’s family and giving us the opportunity to create love and memories. We thank Leanna Yingling and her husband for fostering Bella those first few weeks and showing Bella love, care and compassion and letting Bella know that not all humans are bad. Bella will continue to live in all of our hearts and memories.

We would also like to thank Dr. Shepherd and the staff at Four Loving Paws, for their care of Bella and our family.

Bella was loved and will be missed immensely. We will carry Bella’s love, our memories, Bella’s big personality, strong will and spunk with us until we meet again.