Motley Creel

Motley Creel, of Pendleton, Indiana, beloved Bullmastiff of Stephen and Karmen Creel, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, July 29, 2024. Motley was born in February 2021 in Indiana. This sweet little Bullmastiff pup found herself being shuffled around after her original owner decided she was a greater commitment than he was prepared for. He moved out of state and left her behind. He did, however, leave the puppy with one of his family members. Motley was chained to a tree, unwanted and unloved; they called her "Stinky." A neighbor witnessed the cruelty that was taking place to this innocent pup. After a lot of coaxing, she talked them into giving her the pup. This neighbor happened to work for a young lady who owned a local grooming business. A plan was set in place to help find this sweet girl a forever home. The owner of the business knew the perfect family to give this neglected baby a forever home. The owner of the business knew the perfect family to give this neglected baby a forever home. Stephen and Karmen Creel and their children, son Elijah and daughter Alexandra, had just suffered a heartbreaking loss in their own home. One month prior, they had to say goodbye to their own beloved dog, Chaz. Chaz held a special place in their hearts because he was the dog that their daughter, Alexandra, and their late son, Colton, found together as a stray dog, which compounded their loss. The owner of this pet grooming business happened to know this family very well because she was family to them. She hoped that they could give this dog the love that she so desperately needed and that, in return, maybe this puppy would provide them with some comfort. Although she knew Stephen and Karmen were experienced pet owners and would be able to give Motley the love, patience, and care that she so desperately needed, she knew Stephen and Karmen had a Husky named Peep at home, so she was unsure if this puppy would be a good fit for their home at this time. The timing actually couldn’t have been better; Stephen and Alexandra were already discussing their desire to get a new puppy. The family made the decision to give this young pup a chance, and they gave Motley her forever home. Motley brought joy back to the Creel household. The Creel family showed Motley what it was like to have a family who loved her. Motley was a character. She would wag her stub of a tail in happiness. Motley was introduced to their husky dog, Peep. Motley was true to her breed. It is historically documented that in the late 1800's, bullmastiffs were known as the “gamekeepers” for large estates in England that needed courageous dogs to catch and subdue poachers on their land. The dogs were taught to creep up silently and subdue, but not maul the trespasser. So, unbeknownst to Peep, Motley, in time, felt comfortable enough to crouch down and stare intently and quietly stalk Peep like her ancestors, and then she would playfully chase him until she had enough, and then she would just lay on him and make him mad. Motley enjoyed sharing morning coffee with Stephen. Nearly every morning, she would sit next to Stephen as he drank his coffee, and he would give her the last little bit. Elijah shared that “Motley was a loving and emotionally loyal dog to our family,” and Alexandra expressed that sweet Motley was “a healer and a comforter.” “She literally gave me hugs that made me feel her love." Stephen and Alexandra both described how Motley would make them happy, stating “she was so funny” and seemed to always know how to make them laugh. Alexandra relayed that “she would sit beside me; she was my companion, and she gave the best hugs.” If you were lying in the hammock outside, you could be sure that this gentle giant would squeeze her body onto the hammock to cuddle with you. Motley had the sweetest disposition. Thanks to the love and care she received from Stephen, Karmen, Alexandra, and Elijah, Motley was able to experience the joy of being adored and being a part of a family. Motley brought happiness and love at a time in their lives when they so desperately needed it. In addition to Stephen and Karmen, left to cherish Motley’s memory are her human sister, Alexandra, brother, Elijah, and dog brother, Peep. Motley was lovingly greeted in heaven by her human brother, Colton, who preceded her in death. Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever In Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. We are honored to serve the family of Motley Creel. 

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