Memories of Ella

By: Tessie

My parents have been talking a lot lately about my predecessor, Ella. Ella passed over the rainbow bridge five years ago, so I never met her. Mala and the kitties lived with Ella for many years.

Mom is attending an Author Fair tomorrow in Fairplay to sell copies of Ella’s book, Pawsitive Perspectives. We also just learned that the place where Mom held the book launch party, Evermore Wine Bar & Cafe, will be permanently closing next weekend. We all went there for dinner last Friday to say farewell.

All this talk about her book made my parents wonder whether Ella would have liked me. They both agreed she might have appreciated my spunk and how much I express my opinions and question the rules, since in those ways I’m much like she was. However, they think my playfulness might have annoyed her. While Mala enjoys wrestling with me, Ella was never a big fan of playing with other dogs. She probably would have run around with me, but she wouldn’t have had the patience that Mala does for me biting her back legs.

Whenever we’re out for a walk or hike and come across a closed trail or side trail (not an authorized trail but one that’s been traveled by someone, most likely deer and elk), I always want to see where it leads. Mom has plenty of photos of me in front of signs meant to keep people and dogs out because I try to convince her we should check it out anyway, sign be damned.

Ella also liked to take the path less traveled. She wrote about taking the road less traveled in the post embedded below and her love of exploring here. This Substack started as a way to share life lessons from Ella’s POV, and Mala and I have had the pleasure of continuing it.

Ella is still present in our household, with photos, mementos, and toys scattered throughout. When I came around, Mala switched to Ella’s bowls, and I started using Mala’s smaller, lower bowls since I’m the little one now. Mala is hardly ever called the “little white dog” anymore because she’s bigger than me. Ella’s dog bed is in the living room, and Mala and Kali both sleep on it often. Kali was a big fan of Ella, and while she likes me, I could never replace the bond she had with Ella (even though it was one-sided).

I wish I could have met Ella because she sounds like a great dog who was skilled at getting her way. Her book, Pawsitive Perspectives, recounts the 15 years she spent with Mom, told through 40 life lessons. Mom tells me I have some of Ella’s spirit in me, and I’m glad that having me around has helped heal Mom’s heart after losing Ella. She left big boots to fill, but I’m doing my best to live up to her esteemed reputation. Maybe someday I can become queen!