Brighten Your Day

Woman Writes Heartbreaking And Hilarious Obituary To Her Beloved Dog

July 26, 2017

Lee DiBella of Watertown, Connecticut, lost her beloved rescue dog Brian last week.

DiBella decided to write an obituary for her companion of 11 years. It is a touching, and humorous, account of her dog. One that every pet owner can appreciate.

Credit: Lee DiBella

Brian died peacefully, alongside his mom of nearly 11 years, Wednesday, July 12th, under the care of Stone Veterinary Hospital staff. Brian was adopted by his mother, Lee Dibella, on December 19th, 2006, and quickly became a dog legends are made of. Brian arrived in our home with the ability to not only sit, but also “give paw.” Being able to destroy any crate, gate, door handle or trim and molding in his way, Brian quickly began building loving relationships with all those who came in contact with him, whether it be a new vet, animal control, or whoever's house he found his way to for an uninvited romp. A lover of couches and blankets, Brian had many hobbies. Some of Brian's favorite activities included barking at things not there, cuddling alongside you, taking over his mother's bed, licking his butt, acting like a spazz when it was time to be fed, and trying to figure out who exactly was “the good boy.” In his spare time, Brian dreamt violently, thrashing his legs, presumably chasing dastardly felines or squirrels who dared enter his dreams. The quickest way to Brian's heart was with a quality scratch of his rear, and a rub of his belly. Brian will be greatly missed by many, but none more so than his mom. Through thick and thin, she loved him with all her heart, and though the pain she feels without him is great, it in no way would compare to having never had him in her life. Besides his mother, Brian leaves behind a sister, Dr. Frigo Delilah, grandmother, Jeannette DiBella; predeceased by a grandfather, David; his uncle, Michael and family; god-mother, Jennifer DeWitt; and many amazing friends throughout the years. At the wishes of Brian's family, give your dog an extra hug, belly rub, and treat.

Since his passing, DiBella says that people reaching out has been cathartic.

"It's the biggest personification of how they're family," she told People. "We deal with deaths of [humans] all the time, and people reach out, but not from across the country! He's a rockstar and he deserves it."