Obituaries

Bentley was born on August 16, 2009 and from the moment he came into the world, he brought joy to the lives of everyone around him. He loved to travel with his favorite person, Simone; and visited places like Los Angeles, New Jersey, Detroit, and Philadelphia. He lived in both Georgia and Los Angeles. While living in Los Angeles, Bentley enjoyed hikes on the trails, trips to the waterfall, walks in his very pet-friendly Beachwood Canyon neighborhood, and days at the beach. In New Jersey, he got very familiar with the snow! In Georgia, he enjoyed the trails at Stone Mountain Park, and feeding the ducks at the lake. More than anything, anywhere…Bentley enjoyed regular moments at home together, always at my feet, always at my side. I used to jokingly sing that New Edition song to him “every little step I take…you will be there…every little step I make, we’ll be together,” when I would almost trip over him because he was like Velcro at my feet! During months when he was not able to travel with his favorite person, Bentley would stay either in Georgia or California with family who loved him very much, and his cousin-dogs who enjoyed both playing and fighting over territory with him because Bentley always thought that because he was the oldest, he was the boss! Bentley was the best companion. His love was constant and his spirit still is big! He helped me watch over my Mom when she was fighting cancer, and his watch over her was loving and vigilant. He would sit on the arm of the couch and keep an eye on her. One night, he woke me by walking on my face to alert me that my Mom’s oxygen had fallen out. He was a protector. When my Mom passed, he provided much comfort to my Dad during his time of grief. My dad lovingly came to refer to him as “my main man, Bentley!” To my brother, nephew & niece, he was “Bent-Bent” and “Bentley Boy!” My sister would never let anyone call him “old.” To me, he was “my rider”…going everywhere with me, all our adventures and car rides…so many memories. Bentley will be terribly missed and lovingly remembered. Just two months shy of 16 years, Bentley transitioned peacefully at home, in the loving arms of his favorite person. I would like to thank Bentley’s village for always making space for Bentley when I couldn’t travel with him for work at times…thank you for making him as comfortable as you could in your homes and hearts, I know it wasn’t always convenient, but you did it with love. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the compassion you showed Bentley when he fell ill, and the support you all provided during his transition. Thank you Natalie & My Precious Paws for always grooming Bentley so beautifully…your VIP nephew-dog. Thank you Paws, Whiskers & Wags for handling Bentley’s services with such care, grace and compassion. Bentley, there are not enough words. THANK YOU for our journey together. I have so much gratitude. My heart is so full, and also so broken. I will love you forever.