~"Time spent with cats is never wasted."~

San Diego, California, 5.26.2008

Bella Jasper Love

As a juvenile purebred Bengal, Bella was a rush of feline energy in need of taming and gentling. She came to me as a rescue and immediately chose three names, not just one. Her personality sparkled, she was very smart and had a remarkable ability to scan a human and see deeply into their heart and soul. She embodied “Cat” awareness, which is spiritual and physical self-awareness. From her perspective, many didn’t have the required amount of humility. When the first attempt at connecting failed, she simply walked away. To their delight, visitors who patiently let her put them through the paces were richly rewarded with her attention.

Bella loved to show off her athletic ability. She moved with flawless grace and beauty. Rarely did a landing disturb any object no matter how high the jump or the leap. One of her favorite tricks was to walk the top of a door as I held it steady. I’d stand there, my neck craned, stiff with pain, and watch (sorry, admire) her for minutes on end as she walked back and forth, stopped, turned around and walked some more on her narrow runway. Finally, she would have enough and creep down the edge of the door into my outstretched arms. In short, Bella was fun, challenging, and a Master Cat. She taught me about the complexities of feline intelligence like no other and often sat through phone consults. If the discussion became repetitive or overly analytical, she’d look up and jump off the table. Animals in nature shows got her attention, as soon as a human would appear on screen she’d lose interest. So much for our sense of self-importance…

After Miss Acorn Annie, my mare, passed away last April, Bella developed a serious gastrointestinal inflammation. Eventually, her sparkle, shine, jumps and pirouettes were replaced by days filled with stomach pain and ineffective remedies. This did not suite her and we both surrendered to the inevitable. From start to finish Bella lived life on her terms, not ours. Jerri Carroll expressed Bella’s immense sadness and her imminent need to shed this failing body. Last Thursday, Dr. Kristi Freeman came to our home and facilitated her transition. She is buried in the yard. Bella and Miss Acorn Annie functioned as a team in my life. We are one and I am forever grateful for their mentorship. Their legacy lives strong in my heart and I share it with all of you.