BELLA was surrendered to Angels of Animals for the second time this spring. She lost her first home due to allergies. Her second home said that she is "food aggressive", but after extensive observation, as well as co-feeding during play dates with her rescue buddies, we do not believe this to be the case. It is an unfortunate reality in the animal rescue world that families do not always give the REAL reason they are surrendering an animal, and hold back information that might make THEM look bad. Unfortunately for Bella, the story they told sticks with her, and has made her life difficult.
Bella has now been in the care of Angels of Animals since Memorial Day weekend. She is doing great at our vet's office - she is gentle and obedient. Like any young, energetic dog, she requires regular exercise and stimulation. She is willing to "work for food", which means that she is highly trainable and eager to please. All of Bella's "rescue family" agree that she would be a wonderful agility or frisbee dog. She loves to swim, jump and play.
She has been doing GREAT with other dogs. I have been giving her regular play dates with Murphy, my cousin's boxer/pit bull mix. They are now the very best of friends. She also goes out for regular interactions with the public - we go to the park, sidewalk cafes, or just walk around town meeting people and other dogs. Bella has done great throughout all of these outings! I have observed that she tends to mirror the behavior of the dog she is with, and she and Murphy get along so well - they really love one another. Their playtime is high energy and fun. However, if a dog behaves aggressively and tries to hurt her, she will defend herself. This only happened to us once, and Bella was NOT the aggressor and calmed down as soon as the aggressive dog was taken away.
Since Bella has been given up several times, she gets a bit nervous when "her" people leave her. She is also a little nervous around some men until she gets to know them a little, but warms up quickly. She is brave - if something scares her, she takes a quick time out and then tries again. We love Bella so very much, and hope that we can find a home for her soon. Until that day, she continues to be boarded at our vet's office, where although she is loved and cared for, it just isn't a HOME. Bella needs a home, a family, people to snuggle and play with. She needs to finally receive the love that she deserves, and that she is so willing to return despite how many people have let her down.
Bella is ready for adoption. She is sweet and obedient, good with children, and we believe that she will do fine living with another well-trained dog. We still do not recommend cats or other small animals for Bella, as she has a strong instinct to "retrieve".
You can follow Bella's story and see her on some of her outings by clicking on her facebook photo album.Please "like" our page, and share Bella's story with your friends!
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.406647349386791.112315.106073559444173&type=1&l=b41a9595e6
Please contact me directly for a prompt response at trish.angelsofanimals@gmail.com if you are interested in meeting Bella!--
Trish Sebben-Krupka
Vice President/Fundraising Director
Angels of Animals, Inc.
trish.angelsofanimals@gmail.com
www.angelsofanimals.org
P.O. Box 534
Clifton, NJ 07012
