Leggy Lurcher Bella looking for a new home to call her own
Woodgreen Pets Charity – as featured on Channel 4’s ‘The Dog House’ – is seeking a loving new home for one of its longest residents.
Bella, a six-year-old Lurcher, was brought to Woodgreen’s Cambridgeshire centre in April 2021, by a smaller charity who weren’t able to give her the time and resources she needed.
Woodgreen’s dedicated teams have spent more than a year helping nervous Bella build her confidence around strangers and other dogs, and she is currently in a foster home with Clare, one of the charity’s incredible volunteers.
Clare said: “Bella is a cautious dog who responds well to patience and a positive approach. Once comfortable, which doesn’t take long at all, she is so affectionate and laid back. You will never tire of her quirkiness or her joy from a squeaky toy or tugging game. She is very bright and loves the challenge of puzzles and magic tricks involving hiding treats.
“When you return home, Bella is like a tornado rushing to greet you and welcome you back. She is a clear communicator with her nose and she uses it to get you up from the chair if you’ve forgotten walk time, nudges you with it at dinner time and buries it under your hand for strokes!
“Bella loves a spot on the sofa but will equally spread out her long limbs on the floor, especially in the sunshine – ‘just chillin’!’ You are in for hours of entertainment watching her myriad of yoga and sleeping positions. Bella is a joy waiting to be discovered and she can’t wait to find her forever family.”
To find out more about Bella and the type of home she’s looking for, please visit her rehoming profile.
Bella is one of many dogs at Woodgreen who have ongoing medical and behavioural needs, which means it can take significantly longer to find them new homes. Natalie Powdrill-Wells from Woodgreen, said: “We are appealing to anyone who could offer a home to a dog who is most in need, like Bella. It won’t always be easy and there will be challenges along the way, but the rewards will be immense.
“You’ll have to love them as they are, quirks and all, and recognise that they may never be the perfect all-round dog who can happily interact with strangers and other pets. But in the comfort of their home, where they can relax, they’ll be a wonderful addition to your family and will repay your commitment many times over.”
Some dogs’ traumatic pasts mean that Woodgreen are looking for a very specific environment to enable them to thrive, without being triggered by certain sights/sounds, as well as patient owners who can invest time and effort in training. The charity is particularly keen to hear from anyone who:
- Lives in a quiet area, as a bustling environment with lots of people, traffic and other dogs would be too busy for these dogs to feel comfortable
- Is able and willing to stay away from other dogs and people, such as walking in quiet areas or at quieter times of the day
- Has no young children living in or visiting the home, as many of these dogs are not comfortable around children
- Has no other dogs or cats living in or visiting the home, as these dogs would like a family all to themselves
- Is comfortable with a dog that can’t be let off the lead – but would really benefit from a private, secure garden for zoomies and play time
- Is at home for most of the day, such as working from home, as many of these dogs can’t cope when left on their own for too long
If you meet the above criteria and could give a second chance to a dog at Woodgreen, please start your rehoming journey here.