This is the story of Bella, a rescue dog found lying on the median strip along a freeway. Bella is a small terrier with a big heart. We were moved by her remarkable story and over the next few weeks, we’ll be following her recovery.

After being rescued from the freeway by a concerned driver, she was taken to a veterinarian who said Bella was likely thrown or fell out of a car. The injuries she sustained were serious, including a fractured rear leg (which required surgery) and a front leg that was pulled completely backward, probably the result of abuse. Bella lost all sensation in her front leg, and the vet said it may need to be amputated. Bella’s surgery and medical fees were estimated to cost over $5000. A Leg Up Rescue is raising donations for her medical care, and providing funds for her ongoing foster care. Bella is now up for adoption, and we are certain she’ll find a happy and loving home! She is sweet, loving, and trusting despite the trauma she has experienced.

Bella came to Holistic Veterinary Care on April 2, 2012, seeking services to assist in her healing. Dr. Gary Richter recommended rehab therapy and acupuncture, both of which are instrumental in physical and spiritual rehabilitation. When she first arrived at our clinic, she was obviously injured, shy, and not wanting to move her body. After her first rehab appointment and acupuncture treatment, she was visibly better: tail wagging, friendly, and even walking around a bit. We observed that her eyes looked brighter and her spirit had lifted. We look forward to the progress that she makes, and hope to assist A Leg Up Rescue in raising awareness of Bella’s cause. Like all rescue animals, Bella is deserving of a happy home where she can experience what is long overdue in her life: love, safety, and stability.

For more about Bella and how to help her, please visit her Facebook page. For information about adopting her, contact A Leg Up Rescue.