Bella is nearly two years old — and she’s spent almost every day of her life at the RSPCA’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre. While the staff there do everything they can to keep her happy and safe, there’s one thing Bella has never truly had: a home of her own.
She was adopted briefly once, but the placement didn’t last. Bella struggled around other dogs and was returned, leaving her back where she started. Since then, the shelter team has poured time, patience and compassion into helping her feel more secure.
“Bella missed out on important socialization during her early months, which left her anxious around other dogs,” said Hannah Hawkins, behavior and welfare advisor at Ashley Heath. “When we first began working with her, she was incredibly frustrated. But after months of consistent, intensive training, we’re finally seeing real progress.”
Today, Bella is learning how to coexist with other dogs and has even made a few canine friends at the shelter — a huge step forward. But when it comes to people, there’s never been any doubt. Bella adores humans and wants nothing more than to be close to them.
Because shelter life doesn’t allow for constant companionship, Bella has found comfort wherever she can.
“We spend as much time with her as possible,” Hawkins said, “but we can’t always be there. Bella has turned to her soft toys for comfort, especially her favorite — Winnie the Pooh — who she curls up with every night.”
Her kennel is filled with plush toys, and Bella can often be found nestled in the middle of them, cuddling, playing or simply resting. It’s heart-melting to see — and heartbreaking all at once, because everyone knows those toys are standing in for something she truly longs for.
Bella is looking for a quiet, adult-only home with no other pets, where she can be the center of attention. She’ll need adopters who understand her past, are patient with her separation anxiety, and are willing to continue her training. A securely fenced yard where she can run and play would be a dream come true.
Bella may have a few special requirements, but the team knows her perfect family is out there somewhere. Until they find her, she’ll be waiting — wrapped in a pile of stuffed animals, holding onto hope that one day, she won’t have to sleep alone anymore.
