Bella is a 7 year old Greater Swiss Mountain dog who was rescued from a puppy mill in Lancaster County after being used as a breeder mom her entire life. Specifically, this puppy mill is known to be one of the worst puppy mills in Lancaster County, even making the Humane Society of the United State’s list for the top 100 worst puppy mills in the entire country. Suffice to say, Bella lived a life of agony for 7 years and we were lucky enough to get the chance to save her just two shorts months ago.

Despite where she came from, Bella is truly the most gentle and loving dog you could ever imagine. It is miraculous how a dog that endured abuse beyond many people’s comprehension could be so forgiving and learn to love and trust humans again. She is something truly special.

When Bella arrived at our rescue she was extremely weak, especially in her hips (very typical for mill mamas) and had little muscle mass in her legs; due to being confined to a small area her entire life. She only left that area on the day they took her from her mother and for the second time the day we rescued her.

She quickly stole the heart of one of our volunteers, and went into a loving and wonderful foster home with them. Her foster family started the process of giving her a happy life, but just a week after she went into foster, Bella started limping and not bearing weight on her back leg.

The vets confirmed our fears, that Bella tore her CCL. Meaning without healing and the formation of scar tissue, or surgery, the bones in her knee will be rubbing against one another causing inflammation and pain for sweet Bella.

This is a very common occurrence for a dog who was never allowed to exercise and had poor nutrition and no vet care their entire life. Given Bella’s size, being a GSMD, she needs to be able to use all 4 of her legs. Bella has been through a life of nothing but physical and emotional pain, and we just want to prevent her from having anything but comfort and love for the rest of her life. We owe that to her, and are committed to doing whatever it takes to make that happen.

We are working closely with our amazing veterinary team to determine if she is a candidate for surgery, a custom brace, physical therapy, or medical management. Given her age and poor health condition (due to a life full of abuse and neglect) we are weighing all options carefully. We are committed to giving Bella the happy ending that she so rightly deserves.