"Fate must have stepped in and led me to Bella"
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your rescue pets
I’m a retired PE teacher and have had rescue Border Collies or Border Collie crosses since my parents, realising I was scared of dogs, brought home a tricolour BC puppy for me when I was a young teenager. Needless to say, I fell in love with the breed instantly! He was a challenging boy, if only I had known then what I have since learnt about the breed!
What made you decide to adopt?
Apart from my first BC, the rest have all been rescues, 2 from Battersea, 2 from The Border Collie Spot and now my beautiful girl from KLAWS. There are so many BCs in rescue that it makes sense to adopt.
How did you find Bella?
I found Bella on the KLAWS Facebook page. I don’t know why or even when I started to follow the KLAWS page, but fate must have stepped in and led me to Bella.
What have been the highlights of your life with Bella?
The highlights of my life with Bella have been numerous. The first time she climbed up on to the sofa for a cuddle. Discovering that she thrives on learning new things, seeing her chase around the fields with her doggy friends, seeing her throw her football around the garden and seeing her swim for the first time.
Have you had to face any challenges with regards to bringing home and living with Bella? If so, how have you overcome or coped with them?
Bella was initially a challenge as she was so scared of everything. Slow and gentle reassuring, lots of talking to her, plus building her confidence through fun and rewarding training have helped massively. She still has calming herbs and essential oils and still has a few situations she would rather not experience. Understanding what these are means we avoid them or deal with them so that she feels safe and comfortable.
If you had to describe Bella in just three words, what would they be?
Amazing, funny and delightful.
Do you have any advice for people who are thinking about adopting a rescue pet?
If you would like to adopt a rescue pet do plenty of breed research, talk to people who have adopted, take advice from the rescue and make sure you have the time and energy to ensure your adopted pet will feel safe, comfortable and loved.
