Bella’s Story

With all odds against Bella, she miraculously survived being tied to a boulder and dumped in the River Trent in a deliberate attempt to drown her. Many months of care and veterinary treatment lay ahead following her terrifying ordeal.

No one knew what Bella’s progress would be like or if she would make any at all, as an elderly dog we cannot reverse her signs of ageing. Suffering from osteoarthritis, pancreatic inflammation, kidney and liver disease and a degree of dementia. Bella’s conditions were commonly associated with old age and pancreatitis is often seen in GSDs as a breed. Sometimes, Bella would flatly refuse to eat the diets designed for the maintenance of these conditions and was soon fondly referred to as Madam Bella by staff here at the centre.

With the kindest of characters, you couldn’t help fall in love with Bella and over the latter part of 2020 her health improved and her personality shone. She would get so excited to go for her walks, barking and whining in anticipation, bouncing up and down on her wobbly legs.

As an eleven-year-old GSD with underlying health problems we knew that she won’t have years left to live. But what time she did have should be honoured with the greatest of love and care. Her fight to survive, her struggle to recover and the pleasure she found in the simplest of things will never be forgotten.

This is Bella’s story, one of triumph, hope and recovery…

Thank you to all who have supported and continue to support animals like Bella throughout their rehabilitation at Radcliffe Animal Centre.