Sadly on Sunday night Fr Tom Dillon received news that his beloved Bella had been killed on the road
By Elizabeth Lee
A BELOVED dog belonging to popular priest Fr Tommy Dillon in Askea, Carlow has been confirmed dead after hundreds of people shared photos and exchanged information about her on social media in a bid to find missing pouch.
Bella, a beautiful, cream-coloured Bichon Frise, went missing from Fr Dillon’s house in Askea on 4 April, but sadly, last night, Sunday, he received a photo of her collar and news that she had been killed on the road soon after she disappeared. It’s believed that little Bella was knocked down on the Tullow Road, not too far from her home in Askea.
“I was sent a photo of her collar last night and was told that she died shortly after she went missing. I don’t know who sent it to me. Bella has gone to God, she’ll bark a ‘welcome’ to me when I get there,” a heartbroken Fr Dillon told The Nationalist.
Fr Dillon is devastated by the news that his lovely dog had died. He had Bella for six years and adored her full-of-character personality. He’s not the only one in the Dillon household to be heartbroken by Bella’s absence as his other dog, a Jack Russell called Dilly, has been despondent and is missing her friend.
“Bella was a beautiful dog; the way she’d look at you would melt your heart. Dilly is depressed and is missing Bella. She should be full of life, but she’s not. The two of them used to sit on the sofa together; Dilly is missing her, too,” explained Fr Dillon.
Bella went missing from Fr Dillon’s house in Askea on 4 April. Bereft with worry, he immediately put out an appeal on social media in a bid to find her. Not only that, Fr Dillon appealed to the congregation in Askea for help when he said Mass the Sunday after she went missing, in case elderly members of the community had not seen the appeal on social media.
***The Nationalist*** published a story last week, joining in the campaign to find Bella and bring her home. The story was shared over 400 times and attracted thousands of views, such is the esteem that Fr Dillon is held in. Many readers offered their prayers to St Anthony, the patron saint of lost things, while others sent best wishes. Others, too, acknowledged what a wonderful priest he is and vowed to look for Bella.
Now, in light of the devastating update, Fr Dillon would like to thank everyone who shared the appeal and helped to look for Bella.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped to look for her. I really appreciate it,” said Fr Dillon, heartbroken to be without his beloved little Bella.
