Update September 2015: Bella has some long-term medical issues, and we feel she can’t travel and needs to be looked after by the vets who have helped her so far. Consequently, she is going to stay in long-term foster in Spain as a Terrier SOS dog. We love you Bella.

Bella was in the perrera of Cantabria – she was dumped on the street by her former owner – she was in a right state – mammary tumours and a large tumour on her side. She was no one’s first choice for adoption – and it did not look likely that anyone would adopt her. And with her tumours, and her age (they knew she was older – over 8 at least) when it came time to make room in kennels – she would be the first to go.

What to do? We have a lot of dogs – many of them crosses that take longer to rehome and so we had to sit and make some difficult choices. Could we foster, would the costs be large, could she travel? What could we do? Thankfully we have wonderful supporters that help us make the impossible possible. So we spoke to the volunteer and said we would take her.

The lovely volunteer Blanca arranged her release and we took her – she first went to a volunteer for a few days until a journey could be arranged to Cristina. One of our long suffering fosters, despite having many of her own dogs, cats and also her own life worries. She agreed to take her and arranged a foster friend to take care of her day to day – but Cristina is the one bringing her to the Vet, getting updates and making sure all is ok. We are indebted to her.

Well, Bella – wow – poor girl had been carrying around tumours that were impressive. We had to get her healthy first- she has been having troubles with her digestive system and has spent several nights at the Vets as she has Gastrointestinal attacks. But eventually she was healthy enough and the mass of mammary tumours were removed and the one on her side. I will not post the photos – but the tumour on the side was larger than two adult fists – the poor girl had been so sorely neglected.

We did analysis on her tumours and the mammary ones were benign, but the one on her side was malignant. So back she went to see if the tumour had spread – xrays and blood tests – and no tumours were noted – so she has the all clear – but obviously we do not know what her future holds health wise. She still suffers from digestive issues and is on a special diet and that will continue.

She is in foster – and we are covering all her costs and they will be significant. We are not sure when she will be able to travel and if she will – will there be a home willing to offer her the love and care despite her age and problems?

But she now knows love and care , she is loving cuddles and the sofa. She has gentle strolls and people that care about her.

Bella will be soon looking for a foster or adoptive family in the UK. Please get in touch if you are interested.

Bella will be vaccinated, neutered and passported.  No small furries or cats. Children 10+