“My parents adopted Bella in 2011 as our first family dog. She was an energetic puppy who had been through a lot in her first 8 months of life. She was transferred to the Windsor-Essex humane society from Mississippi and had been adopted and returned 3 or 4 times before she came into our home. When we met her she was full of excitement, jumping and scratching at all of us, no training or manners to be seen. My parents thankfully weren’t phased by her wild side and decided that she was the dog for us.

Bella lived until 2019, it could have never been long enough but she packed every minute of her life with as much fun and adventure as she could find. We affectionately called her Bad Bella, she would get into anything and everything she could, no gates, or fences, or tie outs could contain her, and there was nothing she loved more than planning her escapes to go visit all her neighbours who loved her just as much and often would spoil her with treats and bones when she showed up in their yards. She would frequently jump the fence to go to the Tim Hortons drive through, and even broke into a different store down the road after they had shut for the night once to look for snacks!

Even though she had a naughty side she was full of so much love and personality that everyone who ever met her was an instant fan. She was so eager to just be loved and a part of the family and she really was the best dog. Between 3 kids and our beloved Bella I don’t know how my parents kept up some days, but we were so grateful they did. Bella brought a joy and happiness to all of our lives that no well-mannered dog ever could have. She kept all us kids busy and entertained, and we wouldn’t have traded her for the world.

She inspired us all to take a chance on the underdog. Just because a dog has been overlooked or rejected before doesn’t mean that they won’t be a wonderful addition to the family!

My family continued to adopt another puppy with special needs and medical concerns (who Bella was the best sister to). After both of them passed they have recently adopted another shelter dog who spent over 100 days waiting for a family because of his behavioural needs.

I continued on to work at a humane society and advocate for dogs like Bella everyday, that they can, and will be, loving and adored family members. We think of Bella fondly still everyday and are so grateful for the impact she had on our family.”