Bebe arrived on Christmas Eve in 2011 and was truly the best present ever. For the first two years of her life she had been cared for by a lovely older woman who felt she wasn’t giving Bebe enough activity. The woman knew it was meant to be when our family showed up at her house with an excited five-year old Maisie and Bebe ran right into her arms. Maisie, now a month shy of 20, grew up with Bebe and they had a special “sister” bond to be sure. Dad made her feel safe and was a reliable provider when Bebe begged for food from the dinner table. But Bebe was really a “momma’s dog” right from the beginning, and during her 14 years with us a good percentage of her time was on Beth’s lap. Beth was Bebe’s North star.

Bebe lived a long, healthy, and full life. She chased tiny, squeaky balls endlessly,and squirrels and cats whenever the opportunity arose. She reluctantly engaged with other dogs. After all, Bebe was a “poodle” not a dog. She hung her head out the car window for “puppy Nirvana.” She went to the beach and loved to bury her cute little nose in the sand. She kayaked. She did “crazy poodle run around” to our great delight. She was a playmate for Maisie and was a good sport at playing dress up and being carried around in handbags and a Baby Bjorn. She had lots of sunny spots on decks to lay in. She travelled to all the places we loved – Mt. Baker, Whidbey Island, Pender Harbour, Ohio, Palm Springs, and even went to Kingston to drop Maisie off at college.

What more could we ask for? Just more time. But Bebe had grown too old to do the things she loved to do and so last Friday we chose to give her the gift of a peaceful passing after a life so well lived. On her final morning, she woke up and made a valiant effort to chase her little green ball for one last time. She was deposited in Maisie’s bed to help with wake up as she had done for years. She took a trip to the beach. She had a car ride and Maisie helped her put her head out the window to feel the wind in her face one last time. She had lots of treats including a Starbucks whipped cream “pup cup” provided by her sister. It was a good last day for a good dog. Most important, she slipped away at home nuzzled up to Beth with Maisie and Mike giving her lots of pets and words of love and gratitude.

She loved and was loved completely, and the memories of her life within our family will always be with us.

Rest in peace, Bebe. Our sweet little poodle girl.

Thank you, Dr. Midge, for your exceptionally kind and comforting care for our Bebe and her family who misses her deeply.

-Michael, Beth & Maisie M, March 2026