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Happy Monday!
When Tom Bzura’s obituary landed in my email, I thought it fitting to share it here, especially after last week’s passing of my neighbours’ dog, Chloe.
Bzura, a Winnipeg physician, said he doesn’t intend for it to be disrespectful after so many people lost family members and loved ones this past year. But his dog, Bella, was a great support for him and his family, many of whom work in health care.
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“I would just love people to read it,” he wrote. “I know people have gotten a lot of furry friends that are going to be as special to them as my dog was to me.”
“Bella ‘Bellinders’ Bzura trotted peacefully over the rainbow bridge and through the golden gates into doggy heaven on June 21 2021.
Born on June 21, 2006 in Miami, MB., she found her way and settled in with her forever family in southern Winnipeg. She is survived by her best friends Tommy, Matthew, Kasia, Janina, and Jerry.
Bella enjoyed many things in life, she was best known for her sleeping abilities and her odd, but never corrected understanding, of the game fetch. She was an expert in ball acquisition, but not so much in the ball return department.
She truly enjoyed her walks. Bella was blessed in the sense she was able to stay at multiple homes given her large family. She was on regular patrol in the Bois-des-Esprits, ensuring deer and geese stayed safe by barking at them to a safe distance from benches, streets and walkways.
She was adored by many youth and children in the neighbourhood, especially after her spa days when she would receive top quality haircuts that would instantly transform her to the appearance of a puppy.
She adored being mistaken for a puppy by children in her later years, which improved greatly her confidence as she was slowly becoming more and more bothered by her aging hips.

Bella enjoyed many things in life. (Supplied photo)
Bella was an avid swimmer and as such she spent the majority of her summers at Hillside Beach with Jerry and Janina. Again, she would patrol these areas and alert the deer to danger, often communicating with them through barking, having overheard from humans that bear sightings were noted. She truly lived her very best life.
She was blessed to have new friends enter her life as well, specifically Brittany, Eric, Kadisha, Maddison, Jaxson and Dawson. She was master introverted extrovert, greeting you, engaging in small chit-chat before retreating for her favourite spots on the couch. She was great at so much, especially providing those she cared about with unconditional love.
In her last weeks, Bella fought as her body slowly became weaker, suffering from ascites, hip issues and a hernia. She spent her last days at the beach where she roamed free, and on walks that grew heartbreakingly shorter and shorter. Her last days were filled with love, and those days will be cherished forever, including her last day and birthday, when she was able to see all of her best friends.
We will think of her every time we see a lovely small HBC sweater, or simply just someone walking in the community enjoying time with their small furry friend.
You will be remembered and missed forever. In lieu of well wishes, for all those that were blessed to welcome a new furry family member during the craziness that was the ‘pandemic year,’ please take that extra walk, let your furry friend sit on the couch, give that extra treat, or just give that extra little love to your special pup in honor of my best friend….Bella.
Love you forever, from your best friend.
Tommy B.”
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