Isabella “Izzy” Marie Sanford

🐾 In Loving Memory of Isabella Marie Sanford “Izzy” 🐾

September 2015 – October 25, 2026

“Some angels choose fur instead of wings.” ❤️

On October 25, 2026, Heaven gained one of the sweetest, loudest, most loving, and fiercely protective four-legged angels when Isabella Marie Sanford, lovingly known as “Izzy,” crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully at home, surrounded by a lifetime of love.

Izzy wasn’t just a dog. She was a daughter, a sister, a best friend, a protector, and one of the biggest pieces of her family’s heart. For 11 beautiful years, she filled her home with unconditional love, endless cuddles, a little bit of attitude, and enough personality to last a lifetime.

Izzy was also known Isabella Eats A-Lot Sanford to her Mama!

Izzy was the beloved daughter and very best friend of Sabrina Sanford, her Mom and favorite person in the whole wide world. Their bond was one that words could never fully describe. Izzy spent her life loving her Mom, protecting her, comforting her on hard days, snuggling as close as she possibly could, and, of course, making sure Sabrina never had too much room in her own bed. To Izzy, her Mom was her entire world, and to Sabrina, Izzy was so much more than a pet. She was family, her constant companion, her shadow, and a love that could never be replaced.

Izzy also held a very special place in her heart for Memaw Betty. She took her job as Memaw’s personal bodyguard very seriously. Wherever Memaw was, Izzy made sure she was safe, loved, and watched over. She may have been small compared to the world around her, but her heart and her courage were bigger than life.

She leaves behind her sister, Hannah Lee, better known to Izzy as “Tinkerbell.” Their relationship was built on love, playful aggravation, and a whole lot of barking. Izzy absolutely loved annoying Hannah, and Hannah made it her personal mission to annoy Izzy right back until she finally said, “I love you.” And yes, Izzy really could bark those three little words, usually at a volume loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear. Those loud, sassy declarations of love will forever be one of the sweetest sounds her family wishes they could hear just one more time.

Perhaps one of Izzy’s greatest loves was her niece and very best friend, Waverly Jai. From the moment Waverly entered this world seven years ago, Izzy made it her mission to love and protect her. Their bond was instant and unbreakable. Waverly had a built-in best friend, guardian angel, and personal security guard from day one. In fact, nobody could even think about getting onto Waverly with Izzy in the room without Izzy making her opinion VERY clear! She loved that little girl with every ounce of her being, and there was absolutely nothing she wouldn’t have done to keep her safe.

Izzy was also known for her unconditional love of people, her need to be the center of attention, and her unwavering devotion to a good honeybun. There wasn’t much Izzy wouldn’t do for a dang honeybun! She never met a stranger, never passed up an opportunity for affection, and certainly never believed anyone else deserved more attention than she did. If you came to visit, you weren’t just visiting her family — you were visiting Izzy, too, and she was going to make sure you knew it.

Waiting to welcome Izzy into Heaven with wagging tails and joyful hearts are her beloved father, Maximus Prime; sister, Tequila; and precious son, Captain. We can only imagine the beautiful reunion as they greeted her at the Rainbow Bridge, where there is no more pain, no more goodbyes, and hopefully an endless supply of honeybuns.

Izzy leaves behind her heartbroken Mom, Sabrina Sanford; her sister, Hannah Lee “Tinkerbell”; her niece and best friend, Waverly Jai; and her beloved Memaw Betty, along with countless memories and a love that will never fade.

The house may be quieter now. The bed may have a little more room. There may be no more barking “I love you,” no more demanding attention, and no little protector standing guard over the people she loved most. But the love Izzy gave so freely will remain in every corner of that home and in every heart she touched.

Izzy was truly the best daughter, sister, best friend, and protector anyone could have ever asked for. She spent her entire life making sure her people knew they were loved, and now it’s our turn to make sure the world knows just how deeply she was loved in return.

Rest peacefully, sweet Isabella Marie. Your job here is done. You protected your family, loved them with your whole heart, and gave them 11 years of memories they will treasure forever.

Run free with Maximus, Tequila, and Captain. Eat all the honeybuns Heaven has to offer. Find the biggest, softest bed and hog every inch of it.

And every once in a while, sweet girl, bark a big, loud “I LOVE YOU” down from Heaven so your family knows you’re still watching over them.

You were never just a dog, Izzy. You were our family, our protector, our happiness, and our whole heart wrapped in fur.

Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, we will love you, miss you, and carry you with us forever. 🐾❤️

Forever our Izzy Girl. September 2015 – October 25, 2026.