Bella came to us from a loving owner but due to his increasing work schedule, she was being left for longer and longer hours on her own. Eventually she was having to be left in a kennel because he was away from home for such long hours and eventually and with much sadness, he came to the conclusion that no matter how much he loved Bella, he was just not able to give her the life she deserved. We are hoping that Bella can now find a forever home where she will be given the life she deserves and one that will make her previous owner know that he made the right decision for her. Bella is a friendly, affectionate and playful girl. She is approximately 4 years old.
Here is what her foster family had to say:
Bella is a lovely girl who seems much younger than her stated age. At times she can be very puppy like. She loves people of all ages and is fine with other non-dominant/non-aggressive dogs. She and my cat, who was not used to dogs have come to a truce and I often find them sleeping not two feet from each other. I am very proud of my cat for finally realizing that the dog was safe. Bella would probably be a bit much for very young children but would be a great companion for older children that enjoyed playing with her such as tossing a ball around the yard. She would be fine another friendly, playful dog in the home.
I've given her the opportunity to counter surf and she hasn't. The cat food is left unattended and she won't touch it. I've even tested her and gone upstairs for a short time, she seems to know that it is off limits. It's not to say that she won't try as she has on the very rare occasion. She has only chewed what is her's and behaves very well in the house, she doesn't even chew the cats toys. She is learning not to get up and follow my every move. She loves the car and will try to jump right in if she thinks she might be going too.
Bella is very quiet in the home and only barks to alert you. She has great manners and even knows what area she is supposed to be in when I am busy in the kitchen. She will sit and stay for her food and treats, I'm working on her taking her treats very slow and gentle, she is eager to learn and is doing well. She will lay down, (and will also do this if you snap your fingers) but not always stay put, but will quickly come back to correct herself. Great at sitting and I am teaching her to stop and stay at the curbs, what for having zero leash manners when she arrived, she is doing great and will continue with consistency. She knows if told to sit and stay before you walk in your front door and will do the same when going out but is so anxious that it still needs a bit more work. When throwing a ball she will gladly bring it back and drop it and can do this forever!! When off leash on a trail she will always come when called and if you hide behind a tree she will run back as fast as possible to look for you.
Bella is completely house trained. Bella is also completely crate trained and will go in it when told when I leave for work in the morning at 7:30am and very calmly and patiently will wait for me to open it without jumping crying or barking. (sometimes its as late as 5:30pm). The odd time she has just gone to lay in it in the evenings when I'm home.
Bella loves to fetch a ball, run on trails and play hide and seek. She also likes "finding" sticks (which usually end up being tree roots. She LOVES to run in the snow. Also, she likes to race with other dogs in the dog park.
I believe that Bella is a social butterfly and needs a companion whether it be cat or dog who is equally as social. She is a work in progress and loves to learn new things and please her "people". Like any dog she needs consistent training. She will do well with children around but will need a firm person to continue leash training her. In the house she is a charm, a very lovely dog who will make a fantastic pet.
If you think you have a loving home to offer this girl, please submit an application for consideration.
