My beloved Stellie girl was laid to rest last night. My poor babies, Dan and I are so sad. Even with a long goodbye tour, it still didn’t soften any of the blows our hearts took last night. To wake up without her in the world today felt criminal. A sweet little chocolate chihuahua, who stayed true to who she was until the very end. She gave me seventeen years of unconditional love and companionship. She was the most loved dog on planet earth, still a fresh schedule in my phone as to who got to sleep with her each night. She gave Dan and I the title of fur parents, and we took that job extremely seriously for five years; we’d take her birthday off and walk her to jumpin’ jack’s for a burger and ice cream. She’d lay next to my feet when I’d drive anywhere, and I’ll never forget the day I met her in aviation mall parking lot. Definitely from a puppy mill, it was her and a long haired chihuahua. I took one look at her wagging her entire body and butt and knew she was mine. My little chocolate princess behati prinsloo. Stella Pearl. We went on so many adventures together – the Jersey shore, lake placid hotel stays, and the occasional overnight wherever we’d roam. Her time was split between my mom’s house and Dan’s apartment before she settled down in scotia. Scotia was where she became a big sister, and also the first time she became the family dog. I remember the sleepless nights and she’d be right next to me, head on my lap while I’d nurse Mav. Never needed anything, just wanted to let me know she was there. By morning she’d throw herself on the floor, exhausted from keeping guard all night, and I’d tuck her in and pamper her still. These were the days she had brother cousins near by, and they’d love playing catch with the most mini tennis balls. When we moved to Saratoga, her sunset years began. She became a big sister to Ace and then Veni, and took the job seriously each time. She was part of Christmas cards, family photos, and birth announcements. She was always inside every detail. This is what makes losing her hurt so much – she never assumed any position, except her signature spot on the couch, and she never needed anything more than she received. She found her place and we gathered around her. She was the center of our kids’ universe. They dressed her, bathed her, taught her to swim. She’d get her nails painted, American eagle sweaters, and Halloween costumes most years, too. She was the OG baby girl, the most loyal doggie, the best smuggler and she had the worst breath. I remember once when she tried to bite Mav, and lost a tooth on his face – it was disgusting and hilarious and he doesn’t remember but I will never forget. I also remember her getting mistaken for a baby Doberman when I used to walk her with my parents’ dogs in the country knolls west. I also remember a time one of my best friends came to our house and Stella was so afraid she ran to the basement door, stood on her hind legs and bark screamed like she was part Doberman herself. I got her as a present from my parents after I cut off my ring finger – I could barely take care of myself but they got her to help me through quite a depressing time – against my better judgement I sent her with them to the Jersey shore for a weekend. I taped a picture of myself to the back of her little crate so she wouldn’t forget me, and when they came home with her, my entire face was scratched off 🥰 obviously, she was so much more than a 7lb dog to me – she was the baby I always wanted. My little special angel of the universe, my Stellie girl, stelly bell, Dedda, Stella Pearl Phillips. Big sister to Mavvy, Ace, Veni and Goose. The greatest fur baby to ever live. I know when she trotted and twirled over the rainbow bridge she was greeted by so many, too many, familiar faces and noses. Honorable mention – emotional support baby, how many falls she survived, and how freaking loved she was by my three little cherubs. Rest in the sweetest of peace my little angel. I hope you get endless snuggles, vanilla ice cream with dorito sprinkles, cinnamon buns on Sundays, and any sweater with a matching nail polish your little chocolate heart desires. And give Gaga the stinkiest nose licks ever 🤍

Forever My Girl