Mezza was the kindest and most gentle dog I have ever known. She lived to love and to be loved, and there was a softness about her that made her welcome almost anywhere. Her demeanor was so easy and trustworthy that she could come along to restaurants, vineyards, and wherever life happened to take us.

She came to me as a puppy from Reyna Knight in England and spent most of my years in Nova Scotia growing up on the farm. She and Lothario were very close, and together they produced Alp Angel’s first litter, which was also the first Bergamasco litter born in Atlantic Canada.

Mezza adored children and became a wonderful nanny to our growing girls. They were incredibly lucky to grow up with a dog who would patiently tolerate hours of dress up, games, and constant attention. Mezza, of course, was equally happy to be included in all of it.

She lived a long and beautiful life. Mezza passed away while our “L” litter was being whelped, her great great grandpuppies. It was an incredibly difficult day, but there was something almost fitting about the timing. As one generation was leaving us, another was arriving, carrying her legacy forward.

In my heart, it felt like her final gift. Almost as if she was saying, go take care of those little ones and be happy. Even in her last moments, she was gentle and kind.

You will always be etched into my heart, Mezza, for as long as I live.