Bessie Beilschmidt

2004 - 2017

Bessie Beilschmidt February 5, 2004 to June 20, 2017
When our "Sweet Bess" received her liver cancer diagnosis on January 22, 2016 we were devastated. We were told she might have six months, maybe a year. There was no way to determine the actual length of time she had left with us. We realized that every future day we had with her would be a wonderful gift.
Bessie was always a fighter. Every health obstacle that she was presented with was accepted, and all of the treatments and medications were received with no resistance no matter how involved or annoying they were to her.
She loved her one acre, fenced back yard and every time she ventured out, she walked the perimeter of the fence line, going in one direction, turning around and going back the same way. Even with advanced arthritis in her hips, our sweet girl marched with such purpose we called her our "Sargeant Major".
She was always fairly independent, but she let us know in no uncertain terms when it was "Bessie time" and she demanded her cuddles. These time are truly missed.
The only toy she cared about was her red kong (as she displays in her Memorial photo). When one of her siblings stole her kong, Bessie "crabassed" with such intensity she would not be silenced until she got her kong back. Then and only then was all well with her world again.
Bessie welcomed each day as it arrived with stamina and as much strength as she could muster, that is, until June 20, 2017 when she told us she couldn't do it anymore. Her little body could no longer do battle with her cancer. We knew this day would eventually arrive, but no matter how hard you try, you are never prepared for it.
When we got to our Vet Clinic for the final act of love, again the fighting instinct came out in Bessie. She kept her heart beating until a second dose was administered and she breathed her last breath. Finally, our Sweet Girl found her peace and release from all of her hardships. She didn't have to fight any longer!
Be happy and pain free, our "Sweet Bess", and march as much as you want around the perimeters of Rainbow Bridge. Find all of the others and tell them we love them and miss them, and that one day we'll all be together again. WE LOVE YOU "SWEET BESS" AND YOU WILL REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER! THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR FAMILY AND ALL OF THE LOVE YOU GAVE US!
Mama and Dad