A young dog rescued from a life of terror and pain, has been placed for adoption after three months of intense rehabilitation by a Co Antrim charity.
Bella, aged just 18 months, arrived in rescue in May, her body pitted with scars and her spirit broken after being used by hunters.
Today though, the team at Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary say she has made a remarkable recovery and is now ready to find a forever home filled with love and kindness.
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A spokesperson said: "We call her Bella the brave and beautiful and she is beautiful, inside and out. Behind those eyes holds a lifetime of sadness and mistrust. As many people will recognise, Bella’s bull lurcher breed is a popular choice for those wishing to hunt with dogs. As a sanctuary, this is something we absolutely condemn.
"The scars across Bella’s body only show the the surface of the suffering endured by this girl. Only after negotiations with Bella’s previous ‘owner’ through a kind member of the public, were we able to get her to be released into the safety of our care. Never again will she be hurt or feel alone. That life is in the past.
"While Bella has had a difficult past, since arriving she has really flourished. She has been enjoying the new forms of enrichment we've introduced to her like cooling off in her pool and diving for treats, just being a dog, just being loved and cared for.
"When out and about she loves her chilled walks with the occasional zoomies or roll around in the grass. While in the sanctuary she loves to lounge on her bed or perch on her kennel roof to watch what goes on and have a nosy. It's worth mentioning that she loves to be high up when she gets the chance so a high, enclosed garden fence is essential.
"Bella’s journey with us has been slow and steady but she she has got there and now will be looking for a home where Bella can continue this journey with a family of her own. This home will be one full of time, love and patience.
"She would be a wonderful companion for a potential adopter and we would love for her to have the home she deserves. Bella will need an experienced home with a patient and understanding owner and she has made a few dog friends while at the sanctuary so we feel she may be able to live with a medium to large dog pending successful meet and greets.
"This girl has been to hell and back, it's time for her to thrive in her forever home and enjoy a happy, safe and contented life away from the barbarity of what she was put through in the past.
"Our thanks go to the member of the public who helped us rescue Bella and now we are asking for the public to consider her as a constant and loyal companion."
If you think you could give Bella a home please click on this link and complete an application form.
