#RememberMeThursday: Bella’s rescue tale

Remember Me Thursday: a time to shine a light on orphan pets waiting in shelters for humans to love forever. To celebrate and raise awareness on the importance of pet adoption, we asked you lovely lot to tell your pup’s rescue tales so we could spread the message together. 

And as ever, you didn’t disappoint. For the chance to be featured and to win a donation to an animal charity of your choice, many of you shared utterly moving stories that truly warmed our hearts - the impact of opting to adopt really is beyond compare! 

So here, we’re shining a light on just a few of your touching tales (trust us, it was no easy task choosing between them!). Today, we’re sharing Bella’s touching rescue tale - tissues at the ready…

Poor Bella had a devastating start to life. Left in a crate to fend for herself, it was just by chance that our lovely member, Karen, and her husband were passing by. 

“We were walking in Spain and heard barking but didn’t know where from. We eventually discovered a dog squashed in an old orange crate under a hedge. It was hot so she had clearly been left there to die.” 

With her bravery and overwhelming urge to do what was right, Karen intervened and rescued Bella from her entrapment. 

“With gloves on I lifted the lid - I wasn’t sure if the dog would be aggressive. Out jumped a large dog for the size of the crate , filthy and covered with ticks. She went straight to drink water then came over to be petted.” 

After finding her, Karen and her husband took Bella to a nearby rescue centre where she could be cleaned up and cared for. It was then a waiting game for the poor pup. In the hope that a local family would open their arms to the lovely Bella, Karen and her husband returned home to England. But when Karen heard that Bella hadn’t been adopted, there was only one thing for it. Bella deserved pet parents who were willing to go the extra mile for her, so Karen’s husband drove back to Spain to adopt the pup himself. 

So, what was life like for Bella once she was in England, surrounded by the love and care of Karen and her husband? As we’d expect, it took some adjustment for her to settle in, to understand that this new home was one filled with love, trust (and treats!).

“When we first got her home she was terribly nervous and wary. She wouldn’t let me out of her sight and she would cower at sudden noises and movements.” 

But as the saying goes, time is a healer. And after years of cuddles and care from her new pet parents, Bella has become a happy, loving dog, comfortable and happy in her new home.

“Over four years Bella has gained so much confidence. She is the gentlest dog you could wish for and a happy girl. She is still a bit wary initially when new people come to the house but she quickly forms strong bonds with people when she knows they are kind.”

And it’s not just her new home that Bella has adjusted to - she’s even made a new local four-legged buddy, who loves to join her for walkies!

“Bella enjoys going for walks with my friend and her dog Dougie. She has lots of friends at the doggy daycare she goes to once a week.” 

After years of nurture, Bella has learnt to trust humans, old and new. So much so that her pet parents have been able to leave her in the loving hands of pet sitters while they enjoy time away from home.

“We have had a wonderful couple Kaye and David who have sat with Bella a few times. The first time I was really worried when leaving her as I worried that she wouldn’t settle. This was despite Kaye and David visiting beforehand and thoroughly understanding her needs. However, all my worries were not needed as they were fantastic with her and they let me know regularly how she was getting on. Kaye and David really understand dogs and especially Bella’s individual doggy needs. Bella absolutely adores Kaye and the feeling is mutual. We also have some very dear friends.”

Meeting a pooch like Bella was bound to leave its paw-shaped imprint on these dog lovers. Karen told us that “in many ways she has changed our life”.

Related article: #RememberMeThursday: Murphy’s rescue tale

Want to hear more heart-warming rescue stories?

Our lovely member, Susan, was kind enough to share her pup’s rescue story with us. Back in 2020, Susan adopted her adorable pooch, Maggie, who’d had an awful start in life at a puppy mill. Read her story to find out how the couple turned her life around, sharing the love, cuddles, walkies and treats every pooch deserves!