Bella, our three-legged little girl, has come a long way after having a very painful start in life.  At about 10 weeks of age, Bella, her siblings and their mother were dumped onto a West Virginia road.  Bella was subsequently hit by a car, and left with a very bad gash on her front right leg.  Due to the severity of the injury, the leg was amputated.

As Bella recovered in the WV shelter, a Furry Friends representative met her, and saw the great love and potential inside this little girl.  Knowing that a shelter environment is no place for a puppy with such a critical injury, Furry Friends took her into their organization, and placed her in a loving foster home.  There, Bella received the love and medical attention she so desperately needed.  After fighting off an infection, Bella’s PA veterinarian gave her a clean bill of health and determined that no additional operations or physical therapy would be needed.

After reading Bella’s very sad story on the Furry Friends website, we wanted to meet her.  Her personality was everything we were looking for in a pup and more!  She was so outgoing and loving, that we just knew she would make the perfect addition to our family.  There seemed to be an instant bond with her 4-legged big brother, Onyx, too!  A few days later, we finalized the adoption paperwork.

Bella-girl is doing wonderful and hasn’t stopped wagging her tail since the day we brought her home!!  She is one of the most affectionate dogs I have ever met, and is always willing to shower you with kisses.  Her excellent disposition and intense spirit are rivaled by none.  Bella has overcome a terrible start in life, infection and adaptation to the world around her; however, through it all, she has only shown love and devotion to everyone.

I urge anyone who is seriously considering adopting a special needs (three-legged, one-eyed, allergy-prone, blind, etc.) pet to do it.  I truly believe that special needs animals are grateful for their second chance in life, and the love you will feel is immeasurable.  Bella is able to do everything a “normal” dog can do, and sometimes she can even do it faster!  We currently participate in obedience classes and are even considering some beginner agility classes!

Furry Friends Network will always hold a special place in our hearts for seeing that, regardless of her physical state, Bella was worth saving.  Furry Friends saw her great potential, and for that we will always be grateful.  It is very evident to us that Furry Friends is an amazing organization genuinely dedicated to saving the lives of animals.  Their many efforts do not go unnoticed, nor are they unappreciated.

Sincere Thanks,

Summer, Rich, Onyx and Bella