Obituary of Stella Stephens

Stella, an apricot miniature poodle, bounced into my life, quite literally.  She chose me and wasn't going to let me leave without her. She snuggled into the crook of my neck on the car ride home, a bit nervous as her stomach contents down my shirt revealed, but I didn't mind. Her kidney disease was diagnosed early on in her life, so much care was taken to see that she was kept well. She lived to be 8 years, 8 months and 3 days. Of course I wanted more, but was blessed to have shared the time that I had with her.  She loved all animals, people and especially children. She also shared her life with two other families, her best friend and 'sister' Phoebe, and many other dogs and cats. She was loved by many. She suffered from separation anxiety and didn't want me out of her sight. Though I wouldn't wish this on any dog, I now look at it as a blessing. I spent the last 8 months with her 24 hours of the day and wouldn't change one minute. In the last month or so of her life she spent much of that time snuggled into the crook of my neck, her safe spot. She slept on my chest at night. I loved the feeling, the weight of her body. She loved the closeness. God speed my sweet girl. I love you as big as the sky is wide.