Bella Tinkham

2009 - 2026

Born on 1/23/2009, Bella Tinkham aka Miss Chievous, Bella Bear, Bella Rue and every other name under the sun, was reunited with her best friend and Sister Clover on July 15, 2026, at the rainbow bridge. She was at home, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 17 years 5 months and 23 days old.
Bella started her life with another family who realized they couldn’t give this little ball of energy what she needed, so the search was on. Six people removed with multiple people wanting Bella from this family, her first Mama chose her forever home with her Mom Chris. For last 16 years 7 months and 11 days Bella has been by mama’s side in this crazy journey called life. Bella was a dog like no other. She was intuitive, intelligent, funny, and gregarious. She never met a person she didn’t like. She always knew who needed her the most as she could sense sadness and illness because she was so intuitive. She lit up everyone’s life.
Bella loved life. Once in her new home, she quickly adjusted and started getting into mischief. Her mama quickly realized that she would need way more activity than she was getting. It was then she went to obedience training, agility training, the parks, and lots and lots of walks. A day without activity meant something was getting destroyed in the house, like a debit card, credit card or even a 300-dollar pair of new glasses. Activity was always a must.
At the park, Bella outran 99% of the dogs she encountered. She would turn on a dime, go underneath them, or just simply weave in and out so she could escape their attempts at catching her. She was called “The blur.” At agility, it wasn’t uncommon for people to say “She’s so tiny, I can’t believe she can jump like that”. She loved the challenge and amazed her trainer when she learned how to weave before anyone else.
Bella went on to get her Canine Good Citizen Certificate. It was a 10 step test and she had to pass everyone of those steps to be certified. The last step was the most worrisome. She had to behave while her mama was out of her sight for 3 minutes. That wasn’t a problem at all, in fact she aced all 10 steps.
Her sister Clover joined us in 2012 and though Bella was very unhappy with this for a couple of days, they became quick friends and were never separated. They would chase each other for hours and squeaky toys were often subject to tug of war.
She also went to work with her mama and Clover every Thursday. The joy she brought the members was indescribable. When the girls heard they were going to see “the kids” they would immediately start to whine all the way to work they were so excited.
She was fearless too. She would play with any dog any size (until Clover came along) and never see a size difference. Thunderstorms? Bah. Fireworks, nothing. The vet’s office that was just a place to make friends. The only thing that terrified her, was a car ride. Her entire life, as excited as she would get when you would ask her if she wanted to go bye-bye she would still tremble and shake like a leaf until we got to our destination. That never changed her entire life.
Bella came into my life at 10 months old. Through these years she has seen me through a divorce, Sammy’s loss, Clover’s loss, and everything else in between. I have met lifelong friends because of her and our park time. I have met many people in our neighborhood as she always wanted to say hello. There is so much more to say about her, so much to her life that is so important, but for now I will leave it at this.
Bella showed me dedication, loyalty and an unconditional love that far outweighs the grief I feel. She has been my constant friend, my partner, and given me more joy than any other thing or person in my life has or likely ever will. Without her, my life will never be the same and neither will I.
BESIDES HER MOM, Bella IS SURVIVED BY HER SISTER HARMONY, HER UNCLE PHIL, HER GRANDPARENTS, HER COUSINS JOSH, JUSTIN AND CHRIS AND SO MANY AUNTS MOST NOTABLY AUNTIES MARIE, MISSY, JOAN BECKY, MAGGIE, CHERYL, SHERI, ANGIE AND DEBBIE. She was predeceased by her sister Clover in 2020 and her brother Sam in 2009. A special thanks to all our neighbors who loved her, her best groomer ever Tara Bean of poodles and pals, and Dr. Bouffard and the VCA Lynnfield by the Lake animal hospital team. Thank you both for caring for my precious girl and doing such a great job all these years. My heart will forever be grateful.
Run fast and jump again my girl. I’ll see you again someday.