Anne and Steve adopted Bella shortly after she left a puppy farm. She had everything to learn about love, and living. Everything was new and scary for her. She joined Anne and Steve's dog, Toby, who, unbeknown to anyone, had just weeks to live. When he died, Anne and Steve knew they could best help Bella adjust to the enormous changes and challenges in her world by adopting a friend for her, and along came Mabel.

Bella and Mabel had been in the rescue together and instantly recognised one another. They rapidly renewed their obviously close bond in their home with Anne and Steve.

Both dogs left the breeding industry with multiple health concerns. Some were treated prior to adoption, and paid for by Schnauzerfest, including cataract surgery. Others arose through the years and have received significant veterinary treatment which Anne and Steve ensured the sisters had.

For Bella there have been several occasions when it was thought unlikely she would pull through a health crisis. But she did, again and again. Her resilience and courage was inspirational. I have little doubt that the fact she did, and so strongly, so often, was also down in large part to the devotion of Anne and Steve who gave her everything she needed, including an abundance of love.

Sadly, just before Christmas, Bella died.

Mabel mourned her sister, as everyone expected. But, little did anyone know that something more sinister than grief was going on.

Last week, Anne and Steve received the devastating news that because of a massive medical crisis in her body, Mabel had only a short time to live.

For the past week everything has been given to Mabel's palliative care. And today, through immense heartbreak, Anne and Steve will be with her as she joins her beloved sister Bella.

Anne,

To come so close to the death of their beloved Bella, the news is sad beyond anything we could have imagined. It has hit all of us who know and love Anne, Steve and their beautiful dogs very hard. We share their sadness and only wish it was not so.

I hope that through this memorial, the funds raised will be the best tribute we can offer this unique and loving family bond. One that will help other dogs live their beautiful lives well.