Zola

2014 - 2026

In loving memory of Zola, the sweetest girl who brought immeasurable light and joy to our lives.
Zola came to us on a rainy day in November 2015 from a Southern California shelter, where she was saved. When she first arrived, she was deeply scarred and carrying the heavy weight of a past we could only imagine.
With the gentle guidance of her big brother, Theo, Zola slowly learned what it meant to truly live. He taught her how to play, how to navigate the scary steps of a staircase, and how to feel safe coming inside a home. She fiercely loved him and protected him although he was twice her size.
Watching Zola transform from a frightened rescue into a confident, joyful soul was the most beautiful gift we could have ever asked for. She became the absolute sunshine of every single day, faithfully following me everywhere I went like a sweet little shadow.
She had a way of making the ordinary extraordinary. We shared so much together:
- Gardening side-by-side in the dirt
- Heading out for car rides, walks, and little adventures
- Watching the squirrel ACROBATICS show every Morning from the back deck
- Working side by side - She was the best coworker ever
- Simply sitting together and soaking in quiet, peaceful moments
And oh, when Zola put on her "sassy pants," she was pure, unfiltered happiness and joy. She loved flirting with large male dogs, playing tug of war and chasing sticks and the ball with her brother Russell who joined our family 6 years after she did, and her zoomies were everything.
I miss her little nose nudging my arm for a snuggle, the quiet thump of her tail, the sound of her feet on the stairs and the weight of her body by myside. I miss telling her how beautiful she is at least 10 times per day, and our conversations when she had so much to say back. I miss her adorable ears, one up and one flopping down and the velvety soft Bentley star on her forehead.
Though the house is emptier now and our hearts ache with missing you, you live on—in every sunny corner of the garden, on every car ride with the windows rolled down, and in every piece of our hearts that you will hold forever. Rest softly, sweet girl.