“She fought to keep her head above water and managed to rest it on a step,” Jane told the Daily Mail. “How could anyone do this to her? I don’t know how long she’d been in the water, but I don’t think she would have lasted much longer. It was just so cruel.”
Fortunately, the dog, a 10-year-old Belgian shepherd named Bella, survived and was taken to a local vet for urgent care before being transferred to the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre in Nottingham.
A vet confirmed that Bella’s condition was dire. “She was severely hypoglycemic, hypothermic, and shaking so much she couldn’t stand. Without treatment, she likely wouldn’t have survived,” the vet told ITV.
Through Bella’s microchip, authorities tracked down her owner, 31-year-old Carlene Latham, who confessed to trying to drown the dog and pleaded guilty. PC Pace from Nottinghamshire Police condemned the act, calling it “evil and nasty,” but praised the public for rescuing Bella.
Latham received a 12-month community order, an £80 fine, and was ordered to pay £200 in costs. She was also banned from owning a dog for three years.
Now, after spending a year recovering, Bella is ready to begin her new life. Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas, from South Derbyshire, were moved by Bella’s story and felt they were the right family to give her the loving home she deserves.
“We know she’ll need regular vet care, and we’re happy to cover those costs,” Maggie said. The couple, who have had shepherd-type dogs for over 30 years, wanted to offer Bella a peaceful, loving environment in her senior years.
Bella was adopted from the RSPCA, and in a heartfelt moment, she reunited with Jane, the woman who saved her life.
“It’s emotional seeing Bella again; it brings back memories of that awful day,” Jane said. “We’re so happy to see how she’s been transformed by the RSPCA staff.”
Though it’s a bittersweet moment for those at the RSPCA who cared for Bella, they’re thrilled she’s found her forever home. “We’ll miss her dearly, but we take comfort in knowing she’s now in such a wonderful place,” the RSPCA shared on Facebook.
Bella’s resilience has touched many, and she now truly deserves to be surrounded by love and care for the rest of her life.
