West Richland, WA - Rat Terrier. Meet Bella a Pet for Adoption

My basic info

Breed

Rat Terrier

Color

White - with Brown or Chocolate

Age

Senior

Size

Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)

Weight

–

Sex

Female

Pet ID

–

My details

Good with dogs

Good with cats

Purebred

Shots current

Spayed / Neutered

Housetrained

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

If your life feels incomplete without a devoted little snuggler to share it with you, you need to meet Bella. This shy but affectionate little dog has impeccable manners and a sweet nature. All she needs is one special person to love!

HISTORY
Bella's current family is going through some major life changes that are making it necessary for them to rehome their two beloved dogs. (Olyve is also listed for adoption. These dogs get on well, but are not a bonded pair; they are very focused on their humans, and can be adopted separately.)

They adopted Bella eight years ago, when she was two. She had been intended for use as a breeder dog in a puppy mill, but after her first litter she refused to accept another mating, and the breeders got rid of her. She has been loved ever since!

SOCIALIZATION
Bella is a shy little dog, somewhat timid with strangers, but willing to accept treats. She takes a while to warm up to people, and in her family is very closely bonded to her human mom. She accepts her human dad, and if mom goes out of town for a while she'll make do with him as a snuggle companion.

Her adopter will need to give Bella time to bond, and must be willing to be patient. Once you win her trust, she will bond very closely.

She copes well with unfamiliar environments, such as traveling or visiting people in their homes, as long as she can stay close to her person.

With unfamiliar dogs she will be a little timid and very submissive, but is willing to be friends. She has lived with a cat with no problems.

TEMPERAMENT
Bella will do best in a quiet home with gentle people. Small children who are noisy and clumsy are likely to scare her. She does not like loud noises like fireworks or gun shots.

Her energy level is moderate: she's up for whatever you want to do, whether that's snuggling on the couch, or watching you while you do your thing, or accompanying you wherever you want to go. She loves going for walks, and can be trusted off-leash - she never goes far away - but is quite content to just hang out at home if you're not in the mood for exercise. But although she becomes very attached she is not particularly needy. Bella will cope fine alone at home while you're at work or running errands without her. She is not destructive, and the only time she barks is when people come to the door.

She is not an especially playful dog, but she does love to hoard toys!

TRAINING
Bella knows sit, down and kennel-up. She usually comes when called, and she's comfortable on a leash (although she doesn't walk to heel). She is completely potty trained, and will use the same spot outdoors every time she relieves herself.

HEALTH
This little dog has had regular vet care ever since joining her present family, and she's in excellent health. Like many small dogs she's had problems with her teeth, and many of her teeth were extracted a few years ago - but she eats well, and her remaining teeth are in good condition.

ADOPTION
To see more pictures and updates about this dog, please see their album on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HearthfireAnimalRescueTeam/

The adoption fee for this dog is $120. If you are interested in adopting, please email HearthfireART@gmail.com to request an adoption application, or copy and paste the application on this page to an email and send it to that address. Because we are committed to ensuring successful adoptions, our process includes a background check, reference checks, interviews with all adults living in your home, and a home visit.