Sonata Script – Bentley’s Next Chapter: A Loving Home, A Bittersweet Goodbye

Giving you a peek into the past week for me and Sonata Home Design. The week in review, my favorite finds on the web, and just a little “this and that.” I always want to give you great ideas, inspiration, creative motivation, light bulb moments, and a hearty “You can do it!”

I know I am not alone in my passion for home decorating, crafting, and nesting. So, please join me each week for this creative Saturday jolt!

Rehoming: When Love Means Letting Go

This is a hard one to write.

I’ve started it about a dozen times, and each time, I’ve ended up a teary mess, grabbing a handful of tissues and wondering how it’s even possible to miss the sound of paws this much.

But I need to write it. Because it’s part of our story—Bentley’s and mine—and writing has always helped me sort through the hard stuff.

You love Bentley too. I know because of your messages and hearts these past five years.

So I know you will understand.

Here goes…

Bentley is our big, beautiful, fluffy sheep-a-doodle, who recently started a brand new chapter in life—with a new home, a big backyard, and a new family who already loves him deeply.

And while I know in my heart that we did the right thing, that knowledge still wrestles daily with a whole lot of sadness.

Because saying goodbye to Bentley has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.

How Bentley Bounced Into Our Lives

Bentley came into our lives not long after we lost our beloved 17-year-old poodle, Charlie. Charlie was wise, genteel, and incredibly sweet—a proper gentleman of a dog.

Bentley? Well, Bentley was…a burst of joyful chaos.

He was a pandemic pup who arrived in our quieter home like a furry tornado of curiosity and enthusiasm.

Curious, friendly, cuddly, FAST, loving, incredibly smart—and yes, I’m going to say it—high maintenance.

Bentley wasn’t just a dog. He was a full-on lifestyle!

He grew into a 70-pound bundle of wiggles and energy.

He loved to run, jump, wrestle, chase, herd, leap, and basically bounce off every wall like a ping-pong ball on espresso. We walked him, took him to the park, and I even tried pretending our not-so-big backyard was a doggy CrossFit course.

But it was never quite enough for his massive need to move. Herding instincts, it turns out, don’t like small yards.

As Bentley got older (and more spring-loaded), he also became more…shall we say…interactive with his affections.

He knocked me over a few times—lovingly, of course—and came close to doing the same with other family members. Imagine being lovingly bulldozed by a curly-haired linebacker.

That was Bentley.

And as much as I adore him—truly, deeply adore him—I came to realize something that my husband had gently figured out long before I did: Bentley needed more than we could give.

More room. More space. More freedom to run, explore, and be his full, fabulous sheep-a-doodle self.

Finding Bentley’s Perfect Place

Rehoming Bentley wasn’t just a decision—it was a process filled with heartbreak and hope.

We wanted to make sure he went to a family that would cherish him just as much as we do (well…almost as much), with room to stretch his legs and a heart big enough to keep up with his love.

We found that through Adopt-a-Pet, which has a wonderfully thorough vetting process. We had multiple people interested in adopting Bentley. (I mean, have you seen that face?)

But then we got a message from a family in rural Nebraska. They had a doodle of their own, two young boys, and a sprawling backyard that probably looks like Disneyland to a dog like Bentley.

We arranged a meet-and-greet to make sure everyone—especially the pups—got along.

Within minutes, we knew. The dogs clicked. The family was warm, caring, and completely smitten with Bentley’s goofy charm.

It was one of those “this is right” moments…even as my heart cracked a little wider.

My Favorite Bentley Memories (Warning: May Cause Smile-Crying)

Bentley was more than a pet—he was my shadow, my retirement buddy, and my honorary assistant for everything from DIY projects to blog photoshoots.

He sat beside me for “Friday Finds with Bentley,” chased the hose spray like it owed him money, and joined me in the kitchen for a dance (yes, he would put his front paws on my shoulders and we would waltz).

We swore—swore!—he wouldn’t sleep in our bed.

Famous last words.

He quickly staked his claim either right at my feet or smack-dab between us like the world’s most adorable space heater.

He came with us on our annual fall trip to Nebraska City. He romped through the leaves, hiked the trails, and may or may not have sneakily sampled my apple pie.

Occasionally, he’d make a break for it—backyard escape artist that he was. There was no catching him once he was loose.

The trick? I’d hop in the car and shout “CAR!” out the window. (What must the neighbors have thought?)

He’d magically appear in the backseat in seconds flat, tail wagging, ready for the next grand adventure.

Bentley loved to chew…everything! Shoes, socks, paintbrushes, and reading glasses were his favorites!

Bentley ALWAYS needed a haircut! However, Bentley had amazing “see through my fur” super-dog powers so he only ran into the wall once in a while!

And don’t even get me started on pup cups. The second I’d pull into a drive-thru, he’d start shaking with anticipation.

Once offered his cup of whipped cream? Gone in ten seconds flat. We timed it.

And then there was the famous baker’s rack incident…but you have to forgive that face, right?

Click the image below to see the full “incident”!

Precocious and accident-prone to say the least…but always forgiven!

Saying Goodbye (Sort Of)

I haven’t told a lot of people about rehoming Bentley.

Saying it out loud somehow makes it more real. It means admitting that he’s not going to come bounding into the room when I open the door.

But here’s what I do know: Bentley is exactly where he needs to be.

He’s living his best life in a home full of love, energy, room to run, and people who think he’s just as wonderful and wacky as we do.

And I’m still his person. He’ll always be my buddy, my bear, my co-blogger, my kitchen dance partner.

Bentley, thank you for every lick, every snuggle, every escape mission, every happy tail wag.

You made me laugh, made me move, and filled the house with more doggie love than I ever thought possible.

I miss you every day. Every. Day.

But I know this isn’t goodbye forever. It’s just see you later, big guy.

This Week’s Hustle and Bustle

I have not written a Sonata Script in a while, so I feel like this section should be called “This Month’s Hustle and Bustle!”

Here are a few things I have been up to:

I had a long-term sub job at my old school where I taught for over 30 years. In fact, it was my old job! The amazing teacher who took my place went on maternity leave and I taught her classes for the rest of the year. It is still a great school with amazing students!

Hosting a garage sale is not my idea of a good time. But, after about 5 years of accumulating more “stuff”, I decided to give in and have one. We ran it for three days and sold a LOT! The closets are a little more open these days!

This spring has been the season of little projects around the house. From minor roof repairs to new hydrangea bushes, it is always a good feeling when something broken gets fixed and something pretty gets planted!

My Inner Brit

Big news—I’m finally checking off a lifelong bucket list item…my husband and I are headed to England!

I’m absolutely over the moon with excitement!

We’ll spend four days soaking up the sights, sounds, and scones (yes, scones!) of London, followed by five dreamy days exploring the charming villages of the Cotswolds. (Wish us luck—we’re renting a car and driving on the other side of the road like true Brits!)

Unlike some of our past travel adventures where we packed every moment to the brim, we’ve decided to slow things down this time around.

Yes, we have a few must-see tours and landmarks on the calendar, but we’re embracing a more relaxed, meandering kind of travel.

One bright spot I can’t wait for? Our upcoming tour of Highclere Castle—the iconic filming location of Downton Abbey.

If you’re a fan, you know exactly how thrilling that is! Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to share all the details.

Cheerio for now!

Blog Posts You Might Have Missed

77 Simple Summer Decorating Ideas

A Thrift Store Find Transformed with Decoupage

Frozen Strawberry Aperol Spritz Recipe

Look What I Found On the Web

My dear friend, Kim at Cottage in the Mitten, always has such great book recommendations. Check out her summer beach read list!

Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill shares how to make the most adorable Scarecrow Girl! I love this idea!

I love peaches and I always think of my dad when I see a good recipe using peaches. (He loved peach pie!) Jen from Midwest Life and Style shares her yummy recipe!

Some of My Favorites…