Nobody knew why Bella was sitting on the corner of a road next to a construction site. But it looked like she was waiting for something. And whatever it was, it must have been important. Because Bella stayed there for three days.
Concerned for the dog's welfare, a good samaritan called local animal rescue worker Suzanne Hall. After hearing the story, Suzanne planned to catch the dog and locate its owners.
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The rescue mission begins
But the experienced canine handler had her paws full with this job. Bella was skittish and wouldn't let anyone get near. She'd run off, hide, and then return to the corner later on.
So Suzanne had to resort to more drastic measures.
She set up several (very safe) traps near Bella's special spot. The traps are spacious cages which close once the dog sneaks inside to take the bait. In this case, the bait was a few freshly cooked hotdogs!
As she waited for her plan to unfold, Suzanne tried to figure out where this dog had come from and what it was waiting for. According to one person Suzanne spoke to, Bella belonged to a family who had lived on the street.
It looks like they moved house without taking Bella with them. The lonely pooch was just waiting for her family to come home. Heartbreaking.
Bella's wish comes true
Suzanne returned to the traps the next day and found Bella sitting inside one. Bella was scared and nervous. She didn't understand that Suzanne only wanted to help.
But that soon changed. After a few days at the shelter, Bella transformed into a completely different dog. She was trusting, loving, and full of joy.
And although Suzanne never tracked down Bella's family, this amazing dog still got what she was waiting for - people who love her and a forever home. One of the shelter's veterinarian assistants fostered Bella. And it only took a few days for her to decide that Bella was staying forever.