Bella

SHE GAVE US A VERY BIG SURPRISE (5th AUGUST 2012)

On 5th August 2012 Bella gave birth to 7 beautiful puppies, 3 girls and 4 boys.

It seems Bella was in heat while she was in the dog pound and nature ran its course. IRR had no idea when Bella came to the UK that she was already pregnant and it wasn’t until her adoptive family took her to the vet for a routine check up shortly after her adoption that it was discovered she was due to give birth within two weeks.

Bella turned out to be an excellent mum and her adopters did a wonderful job of caring for Bella and her babies. This was no mean feat especially for a couple, totally inexperienced with whelping etc, expecting to be looking after just one smallish dog.

As the weeks passed and the healthy pups grew bigger and stronger, though more fun, they became more and more of a handful and it became time for them to go off to their respective foster homes where they all settled very quickly. Without exception, the reports have all been very positive. Bella had produced a wonderful litter.

Their father or fathers remain unknown but there was quite a variation in their looks from the aptly named redhaired Ruby to her almost all black sisters Dolly and Ellie. Dolly is doted on by her humans and their three IRR dogs Bela, Maisie and Flossie.

The boys were more variegated in colouring but all, like their sisters, have the most wonderful temperaments and appear to be extremely agile, bright and intelligent. Bond has gone to a home where he will be doing obedience and agility and he is already the star of his training classes. He shares his pad with Sandra and Owen, two other IRR dogs, Brian and Harley and the non IRR dogs Helga, Casey and Jay.

Bailey is living happily with his humans, their young child, Taffy the dog and two cats whilst Paddy shares his home with his humans, Zoey, Archie another IRR dog, and the cats. The last pup to find a home was Sammy but his wait was well worth it and he is now just as happy as all the rest.

BELLA’S HISTORY

Bella is 5 years old. She was surrendered by her family because of a change in circumstances. Bella is a Retriever mix and looks as though she has been crossed with a cocker spaniel.

1st REPORT FROM IRELAND: JUNE 2012

She is quite small (about 14″ tall), house and lead trained. She has a great personality and temperament. She’s a very affectionate girl, although a bit anxious.

FOSTERER’S 1st REPORT – UK: JUNE 2012

I am convinced Bella has been to ‘cute school’ as she is exceptionally cute in every way.

Since collecting her on Saturday we have established the following:

Bella understands basic commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘lie down’. With a treat I’ve called her name and she comes and does a perfect sit. I can’t say she doesn’t jump up, but she does it in a very gentle way as though not daring to lean on you; she stands on her back legs and leans against you.

She is not boisterous at all.

Bella loves her food, though she is a little underweight. She does put her paws on the worktop and then peers at you with pleading eyes. We are working with her to persuade her not to do this.

She doesn’t take or grab at treats, she takes them nicely, sitting and waiting until given them – she does look forward to them though.

Bella walks on a long or short lead perfectly, and is a pleasure to take out.

I don’t think Bella has ever had toys, although she did try nudging one to attract my dog’s attention – which worked. She doesn’t have any interest with a ball or toys when on her own though – she just wants cuddles.

She is fine on her own with all of us in another room or outside, so can be left for short periods.

Bella is friendly with other animals – she was absolutely fine meeting and walking out with our own dog, and when walking her this morning we met another dog being walked, and one behind a low fence – she looked and wagged her tail, and would probably have said hello properly, but when asked to walk on was no longer interested. The dog being walked, like my other dog, had something to say – pulling and barking, but Bella remained uninterested. A horse rode past her yesterday, but she was more concerned about the lady running in front of it than the horse.

Bella is also friendly with people, but she can be quite timid around men.

She has lovely white teeth, bright eyes, and clean ears. She seems fine in every way.

This little dog is an absolute delight and no bother whatsoever. She is very gentle (if a little persuasive), loves cuddles and attention whenever possible and it is impossible to pass her without giving in.

FOSTERER’S 2nd REPORT – UK: (JUNE 2012)

Bella has settled in well, and to be fair, is absolutely adorable. She has the ability to melt anyone!

We are able to leave her with our dog and they are fine together.

A couple of points to note are that whilst she is brilliant on the lead she does have an issue on the lead with cats, and really pulled to chase one in the week.

She absolutely adores being fussed and loved, but in her enthusiasm she does tend to jump up and can be quite determined, so whoever adopts her will need to be patient with her and establish a good bond to help her to build up some confidence in the new relationship.

Bella is very snuggly though, and it is hard to resist her – see attached photo, where I was asleep and she snuggled into that position on her own!

She is perfectly house trained, and when let out to do her business in the garden, has to be reminded to do something as she is so preoccupied with wanting attention.

At this stage my thoughts are that Bella may flourish in a forever home, where she is the only dog and can be loved and spoilt on her own. With the exception of being a little too demanding in the love department at the moment, she is the perfect dog!

GREAT NEWS BUT THEN THE SHOCK (July 2012)

Bella went to her Forever Home where she quickly settled in well but little did they know she was carrying stowaways!!!!!!!