A German Shepherd who was found 'near death' in Lancashire is bringing joy to her new family.
German Shepherd Bella was found emaciated and close to death at a property in Lancashire in March last year, sparking a rescue effort by the RSPCA.
The charity’s deputy chief inspector, Jess Pierce, said: "She was near death and I think if we hadn’t found her when we did, she wouldn't have survived the day.
"Some incidents stay with you, and her case always will.
"The veterinary practices saved her life, and I’m so grateful for the care and compassion they gave Bella."
The four-year-old dog was discovered collapsed in a dark room, lying in urine and faeces, and was so unresponsive that rescuers weren’t sure if she was still alive.
Ms Pierce rushed Bella to Vets for Pets in Colne, where she received immediate emergency care.
She was then transferred to Vets Now in Bury, a 24-hour emergency hospital, but on arrival, Bella’s heartbeat could no longer be detected.
Veterinary staff performed CPR and successfully revived her, and by the following morning she was able to eat and stand.
Bella spent a week recovering at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Hospital before being moved to the Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch rehoming centre.
She spent 229 days in care before being adopted by Dave and Jan Taylor from St Helens, who described her as a “special dog” and said she has brought “so much love” into their lives.
Dave said: "She’s come on in leaps and bounds.
"She was fascinated by everything and anything at first.
"She loved watching a little bird that had nested in our eaves; it was all so new to her.
"When you let her out in the morning, she’ll just run; it’s almost like she’s saying 'freedom'."
He added that Bella is now enjoying a happy, active life, and may be even a little bit spoilt.
Dave said: "She has more toys than a nursery, she’s obsessed with them - her favourite at the moment is a frisbee.
"I’m retired now, so she’s with me every day, and she’s also come on holiday with us to a little place in Wales which has an enclosed field where she can run to her heart’s content.
"She has her own little mannerisms, and she’s not particularly keen on other dogs, but we’re continuing to work on that.
"She gives us so much love, and she’ll be with us forever."
Bella now weighs 36kg (79.4lbs), up from just 21.5kg (47.4lbs) when she was rescued.
Jan said: "When we first went to stroke Bella, she would cower and put her head down, which was really upsetting to see.
"We’ve taken things very gradually with her, letting her do things at her own pace, and the longer she’s been with us, the more relaxed she’s become."
Charles Bruce, of Hendon Road, Nelson, was given a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, and disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely for his neglect of Bella, after he was prosecuted by the RSPCA.
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