A German Shepherd, named Bella, who nearly drowned after her owners attempted to kill her by tying her to a rock and throwing her into a river, has found a new home.
Bella’s incredible story of survival and recovery has captured hearts after she was rescued from the River Trent and spent months rehabilitating at an animal center.
A dog was resceued after owner tied her to a rock
In January last year, Jane Harper, a passerby, spotted 11-year-old Bella flailing in the River Trent, struggling to stay afloat.
Bella had been in the freezing water for hours after her owners had tied her to a rock and left her to die.
While,. Harper quickly sprang into action, pulling Bella out of the water, saving her life in the process.
The poor dog, Bella was immediately taken to Radcliffe Animal Centre for emergency care.
Ella Carpenter, the manager at the center, recalled the harrowing incident during a TV appearance.
“There was a deliberate attempt to drown her,” Carpenter explained.
Bella was found tied to a rock, and her rescuers bravely pulled her from the freezing water.
“It was a miracle she survived,” Carpenter added.
Bella faced months of rehabilitation after a near-drowning incident.
After being rescued, she dealt with complex health needs.
She spent 15 months in care and rehabilitation, showing immense resilience despite her age and health struggles
Carpenter said, “Bella fought every day, showing strength and courage. At times, we doubted she would pull through, but she refused to give up.”
During her time at the rescue center, Bella became a beloved figure among the staff.
Animal care assistant Sophie Major dedicated special attention to her recovery.
“The whole team worked hard to help Bella. We’re going to miss her deeply,” Carpenter shared.
The dog Bella has a new beginning after her near-drowning
After her owner tied her to a rock and threw her into the river, the poor dog, Bella, was fortunately rescued.
A retired couple, Maggie Mellish, 79, and Charlie Douglas, 70, saw Bella’s story and offered her a loving home.
Maggie shared, “We’ve had three Shepherd-type dogs in the past 30 years and love the breed. When we saw Bella’s story, we knew we had to help.”
Maggie and Charlie are prepared to take on the responsibility of Bella’s ongoing care, including her regular vet appointments.
“She’s in her older years, but we just want to give her the loving home she deserves,” Maggie added.
Charlie echoed his wife’s sentiments.
He added: “We were horrified by what happened to Bella, but when we met her, we realized she has an amazing personality. She’s perfect for us.”
Bella then living in new home in South Derbyshire.
After enduring so much hardship, Bella finally found a happy home where she can spend her days peacefully.
Maggie and Charlie’s experience with older dogs made them the ideal match for Bella, who requires extra care due to her age.
Bella then also returned with her rescuers.
Jane Harper, the woman who saved Bella from the river, and her friend Joanne Bellamy, were invited to Radcliffe Animal Centre to witness Bella’s happy transition to her new home.
Jane shared, “It’s emotional seeing Bella again, but it’s wonderful to see how far she’s come. She looks like a different dog—so happy and full of life.”
Bella’s owner subsequently faced appropriate consequences
Dog’s former owner, Charlene Latham, 32, was sentenced to a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bella.
Additionally, she was fined and disqualified from keeping dogs for three years.
However, Latham’s ex-partner, Leigh Johnson, who allegedly played a role in the attempted drowning, was not prosecuted due to a lack of evidence.
This case has sparked further conversations about the need for stricter animal cruelty laws.
Recently, a government-backed bill passed in the House of Commons.
It aims to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years.
The proposed legislation still awaits final approval in the House of Lords.
Bella’s journey from near-death to finding a loving home shines a light on the importance of animal welfare.
Now, Bella can live out the rest of her days in comfort, surrounded by love.
