Bella the lurcher makes remarkable recovery after months of care at RSPCA Newport
A SWEET-NATURED dog left on the brink of death after being starved and tethered outside is now preparing to enjoy her first Christmas in a loving home, thanks to the dedication of RSPCA staff and the compassion of her new family.
Bella, a black-and-white lurcher cross, arrived at RSPCA Newport Animal Centre in October last year in a shocking condition. So emaciated that almost every bone in her body was visible, she was extremely nervous and frightened after being left outside without food.
Rescuers were told Bella had been kept tethered outdoors around the clock and allowed to starve, leaving her both physically and emotionally traumatised.
After nearly a year of careful rehabilitation, gentle handling and round-the-clock support from RSPCA staff, three-year-old Bella was finally ready to find her forever home — and she has since been thriving with Carol and Neil, who adopted her earlier this year.
Carol said the couple were immediately drawn to Bella after seeing her photograph on the RSPCA website.
“She’d clearly had a terrible start in life and it really pulled at our heartstrings,” she said. “We wanted to help her and show her the love she deserved.”
The couple made several trips to Newport to build Bella’s confidence, with RSPCA staff gradually introducing home visits to help her adjust.
“She was very shy and nervous at first, which wasn’t surprising,” Carol said. “But every time we saw her, her tail wagged a little bit more. We could see her becoming happier and more relaxed.”
Now four months into her new life, Bella is unrecognisable from the frightened dog first rescued.
“She’s playful, loves chasing a ball — and Neil’s bobble hats — but she also enjoys curling up on the sofa for cuddles,” Carol added. “Watching her zoom around off-lead is an absolute joy.”
While Bella still has challenges to overcome, Carol praised the ongoing support from RSPCA Newport staff.
“We’re so grateful to have her in our lives and we’ll definitely be spoiling her this Christmas,” she said.
Bella’s story comes as Omaze partners with the RSPCA for its latest Million Pound House Draw, with funds raised helping to support vital animal rehabilitation work across England and Wales.
Hayley Moorey, Behaviour and Welfare Advisor at Newport Animal Centre, said Bella’s recovery had been extraordinary.
“She was one of the skinniest dogs I’ve ever seen,” she said. “Physically she improved quite quickly, but emotionally she needed much more time. Given the life she’d led, it was no surprise she was wary of everyone.”
“She has come on leaps and bounds, and seeing her now with Carol and Neil is incredibly rewarding.”
Ms Moorey warned that RSPCA centres remain under immense pressure.
“Sadly, we’re full across England and Wales and struggling to keep up with demand,” she said. “Omaze’s funding will help us give hundreds of animals the specialised care they need after cruelty, neglect and abuse.”
James Oakes, President of Omaze, said the partnership would help transform lives — both human and animal.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’ve raised over £100 million for good causes across the UK,” he said. “We’re delighted to be supporting the RSPCA’s life-saving work once again.”
People interested in adopting a rescue animal can visit the RSPCA Find A Pet webpage to see animals currently looking for their forever homes.
