She had her dog, Brian, for 11 years.
Her dog may be gone, but he is definitely not forgotten.
When a Connecticut woman’s local newspaper didn’t want to run an obituary for her beloved pet dog, Brian, she didn’t stop trying.
Read: Dallas Cowboys Star Reunites With Dog That Was Held for Ransom: 'Look Who Made It Home'
Lee DiBella said that once the paper realized that the obituary she submitted was for an animal, they declined to publish it. So instead, she tweeted at NBC, who published Brian’s obituary in full.
"A lover of couches and blankets, Brian had many hobbies. Some of Brian's favorite activities included barking at things not there, cuddling alongside you, taking over his mother's bed, licking his butt, acting like a spazz when it was time to be fed, and trying to figure out who exactly was 'the good boy,’” the obituary read.
DiBella, who adopted the pointer, lab, greyhound mix from an animal rescue in 2006 when he was only 2, said he’d helped her through some of her hardest times so she wanted to honor him.
“I thought you know, if he was a person and there was an obituary what would it say? I just started running through it in my mind and I went home and was like, ‘I’m gonna type this thing up,’” DiBella told InsideEdition.com.
The obituary elaborated on some of the funny aspects of Brian’s personality.
“Being able to destroy any crate, gate, door handle or trim and molding in his way, Brian quickly began building loving relationships with all those who came in contact with him,” it read.
DiBella said she adopted Brian after her father passed away.
“I wanted something to bring comfort to not only myself, but to my mother,” DiBella said. “When you were with him, that dog was a snuggle butt. He just wanted to lay next to you and snuggle and kiss.”
Although DiBella said she struggled with Brian's behavior in the beginning because he had severe separation anxiety and would destroy things in the home, she was eventually able to tame him a bit.
“It was 10.5 years of snuggles, going hiking, my original running buddy, the first one wagging the tail at the door when I come home, assuming he didn’t destroy something,” DiBella said.
Frigo, DiBella’s other dog, has had a tough time adjusting to the loss, she said.
“Even today, we went for a long walk and I’m trying to bring her on adventures, whether it’s long walks or swimming. She’s constantly looking. We saw a dog that looks similar to Brian. As soon as she realized it’s not him, she could care less. It’s depressing is what it is,” DiBella said.
Read: State Trooper Buries Dog for 92-Year-Old Man Unable to Dig Grave for Beloved Pet
DiBella decided to have Brian cremated so she can still have a piece of him with her. She ended the obituary for her long-time friend with a message to other dog owners.
“At the wishes of Brian's family, give your dog an extra hug, belly rub, and treat.”
Elissa Candiotti contributed to this report.
Watch: Bride Has Beloved Dog Be Maid Of Honor In Wedding After Cancer Diagnosis
