Lee DiBella, of Watertown, Connecticut, spent 11 wonderful years with her best friend and Labrador-Pointer-Greyhound mix, Brian, before he passed away from pneumonia.

Brian was not just a pet, but he was part of the family, so DiBella wanted to do something special and honor him with a touching obituary. But when her local newspaper refused to publish it when they realized it was for a dog and not a person, she tweeted it to NBC Connecticut, who published Brian’s full obituary.

Lee DiBella, of Watertown, Connecticut, spent 11 wonderful years with her best friend and Labrador-Pointer-Greyhound mix, Brian, before he passed away from pneumonia.

Brian was not just a pet, but he was part of the family, so DiBella wanted to do something special and honor him with a touching obituary. But when her local newspaper refused to publish it when they realized it was for a dog and not a person, she tweeted it to NBC Connecticut, who published Brian’s full obituary.

Brian was a very friendly dog and came into DiBella’s life when she adopted him in December 2006 from the Animal Rescue Foundation in Terryville when he was just two years old. She got him right after her father passed away, hoping a new companion would help cheer her up. He remained by her side through some of the toughest times in her life, including when she had to get brain surgery to remove a benign cyst.

DiBella wanted to share Brian’s goofy personality with the world, so she made sure to include some of his quirks in the obituary.

“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.” In his spare time, Brian dreamt violently, thrashing his legs, presumably chasing dastardly felines or squirrels who dared enter his dreams,” the obituary read.

Just like many other dogs, Brian loved a good ear scratch and a nice belly rub. Although his life with his loving mom was cut short, he got to live a better life than some dogs ever will. Him and his mom had an incredible bond, and she is deeply hurting without him. Although she is feeling immense pain, she says it in no way would compare to having never had him in her life.

DiBella ended the obituary telling everyone to “give your dog an extra hug, belly rub, and treat.” We never know when it’ll be our last day with our beloved pets, so it’s important to love them and treasure every moment spent with them!