When gentle Bella arrived at our shelter in January 2024, she was nervous and learning to adjust to the world after her owner sadly fell ill. As is true for many animals, especially those who have experienced trauma or loss, the shelter environment was overwhelming for Bella, and she often seemed anxious. To help her settle in, we enrolled her in our K9 Courage program, where she received a little extra one-on-one attention, socialization, and support from our Behavior Care team. Bella began to shine after just a few sessions; her confidence blossomed and she became more social and open to new experiences. And when she graduated from the program, she was more than ready to share her sweet, loving personality with a new family.
Still, even with all her progress, finding the right match for Bella didn’t come easy. She needed a home that could embrace her sensitive spirit and help her through her initial anxiety. After three months in the shelter, a family adopted her, but soon realized her playful energy was more than they could handle. They made the thoughtful decision to return Bella to our care, providing us with important behavioral information and giving her the best chance of finding a family who could truly meet her needs. Bella was back in our care, patiently waiting once more for the perfect home where she could thrive.
Over the following months, Bella captured the hearts of our staff and volunteers who adored her sweet quirks and saw her incredible resilience. They rooted for her every day, knowing she was meant for something special. Our generous partners at The Wilhite Law Firm also sponsored Bella in April, helping to boost her adoption chances through our social media platforms. At each step of her extended journey at the League, Bella had a team of loyal supporters working together to help her thrive.
Then, in July, Bella’s dreams—and ours—came true! Colin and his family came in looking for a new friend and a companion for their dog, Koda. They were drawn to Bella’s gentle smile and loved how she immediately clicked with Koda. Without hesitation, they welcomed her home, and it didn’t take long for Bella to feel adored and at ease! She confidently explored her new space, learned the dog door on her own, and quickly understood the household rules. Bella and Koda also became inseparable, sharing every adventure together.
Colin recently shared how Bella’s intelligence and affectionate nature have been the perfect fit for their family. “We’re sad she had to wait so long, but thrilled that it gave us the chance to be chosen by her!” he said. After nearly seven months in our care, Bella has now finally found her place in the world—a cherished member of a wonderful new family who loves her deeply.
The Dumb Friends League wishes to thank The Wilhite Law Firm, Colorado’s pre-eminent personal law firm, for their support of our vital work. Through their compassionate commitment to animals in our community, Wilhite helps find loving homes for pets like Bella who experience longer stays in our care. To learn more about The Wilhite Law Firm, please visit www.wilhitelawfirm.com.