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German Shepherd Who Struggled For Hours Tied To A Rock In Freezing Water Got Rescued And Found A New Loving Family
German Shepherd Who Struggled For Hours Tied To A Rock In Freezing Water Got Rescued And Found A New Loving Family
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German Shepherd Who Struggled For Hours Tied To A Rock In Freezing Water Got Rescued And Found A New Loving Family

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As sad as it may sound, our canine friends are just temporary visitors in our lives—however, we are usually their whole life. And the least we can do during our pets’ last moments is stay with them, making sure that when their time comes, they know they were not just pets to us—they were part of the family.

Sadly, saying goodbye to your senior dog can be a heartbreaking experience not everyone can handle. That’s just one of the reasons why some old or terminally ill pets get abandoned or worse—killed.

Back on January 6th of last year, a German shepherd dog, Bella, nearly drowned in River Trent near Long Lane, Farndon, near Newark after she was left there by her previous owners with her lead tied to a large rock submerged in the water.

More info: Facebook | rspca.org.uk | twitter.com | Instagram | youtube.com

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    The senior 10-year-old dog (at the time) Bella was cruelly left to drown

    Image credits: RSPCA

    While struggling to stay alive before she was accidentally spotted by two dog-walkers, Jane Harper and her friend Joanne Bellamy

    Image credits: RSPCA

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    Image credits: RSPCA

    This is the size of a rock that was tied to Bella’s neck as the poor canine struggled to keep afloat

    Image credits: RSPCA

    After rescuing the dog and getting her out of the water, Bella was immediately taken for emergency treatment at the local vet

    Image credits: RSPCA

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    She was later transferred into RSPCA care afterward

    Image credits: RSPCA

    Image credits: RSPCA

    As fortunate as Bella was to survive with a rock tied to her neck in the freezing cold water, the emergency visit to the vet also showed that she had several other health problems.

    Image credits: RSPCA

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    After being transferred to RSPCA, Bella was looked after by the lovely and hardworking staff of Radcliffe Animal Centre in Nottingham while the animal welfare charity and local police launched an investigation to find who was responsible for the cruel actions against the dog.

    Image credits: RSPCA

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    Image credits: RSPCA

    Luckily, the senior German shepherd has been in the care of RSPCA for the last 15 months, where she has completely transformed and made a full recovery that led her to find a forever home with a retired couple, Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas.

    Image credits: RSPCA

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    Image credits: RSPCA

    The retired couple, who live in a village in South Derbyshire, seemed like a match made in heaven for Bella (now 11 years old) as they previously had looked after shepherd-type dogs of their own, and were willing to give all the love and attention to Bella as well since their last dog passed away a couple of years back.

    Image credits: RSPCA

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    Last Wednesday, the couple went to the center which has cared for her Bella up until now as they wanted to spend some time with their new pet ahead of her moving in with them the next day. The dog’s rescuers, Jane Harper and her friend Joanne Bellamy, were also invited along to witness the happy occasion and see how Bella was doing.

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    Image credits: RSPCA

    Maggie, one of Bella’s new owners, shared her side of the story with the press. Maggie said:

    “We as a family have had three shepherd-type dogs over the last 30 years and really love them. We lost our rescue dog Tia/Luna two years ago and my daughter’s dog Flame this year. We did really miss them. Then we saw Bella’s story in the press a few weeks ago and the fact she needed a home, so my daughter, Clare Lusher, encouraged us to apply for her.

    We know she will need regular vet appointments and are willing to finance those. We know she is in her older years, but we just want to offer her a loving home she so deserves after all she has been through. We are both retired so she will have our company constantly, which is what she really needs, and it will be great for us too.”

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    Image credits: RSPCA

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    Hidrėlėy

    Hidrėlėy

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    I am a Brazilian digital artist who loves transforming imagination into hyper-real visuals. I work with artificial intelligence and image editing to create what I always wondered as a child: how would our favorite characters look in real life? Over time, many of my artworks have gone viral and were featured in international publications. I have recreated realistic versions of cartoon characters such as Disney and The Simpsons, imagined how celebrities who died young would look today, and even gave modern faces to historical figures like Mona Lisa or Shakespeare. Beyond entertainment, I created Para Não Esquecer, a social project that revisits memorable criminal cases in Brazil. My goal is to honor victims, keep memory alive and remind society that justice and empathy matter. I also write for Bored Panda, where I create articles featuring artists, photographers, rescue stories and feel-good moments from around the world. My work aims to highlight creativity, kindness and emotional storytelling. In everything I do, my purpose is the same: to touch hearts, evoke emotion and make people feel something real.

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    Hidrėlėy

    Hidrėlėy

    Author, Approved Contributor

    I am a Brazilian digital artist who loves transforming imagination into hyper-real visuals. I work with artificial intelligence and image editing to create what I always wondered as a child: how would our favorite characters look in real life? Over time, many of my artworks have gone viral and were featured in international publications. I have recreated realistic versions of cartoon characters such as Disney and The Simpsons, imagined how celebrities who died young would look today, and even gave modern faces to historical figures like Mona Lisa or Shakespeare. Beyond entertainment, I created Para Não Esquecer, a social project that revisits memorable criminal cases in Brazil. My goal is to honor victims, keep memory alive and remind society that justice and empathy matter. I also write for Bored Panda, where I create articles featuring artists, photographers, rescue stories and feel-good moments from around the world. My work aims to highlight creativity, kindness and emotional storytelling. In everything I do, my purpose is the same: to touch hearts, evoke emotion and make people feel something real.

    Diana Lopetaitė

    Diana Lopetaitė

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    Hey there, Pandas! My name is Diana (though some prefer to refer to me as Diane, Deanna, and even Liana sometimes), and I am a Community Post Moderator Lead for Bored Panda. As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience. Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).

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    Diana Lopetaitė

    Diana Lopetaitė

    Moderator, BoredPanda staff

    Hey there, Pandas! My name is Diana (though some prefer to refer to me as Diane, Deanna, and even Liana sometimes), and I am a Community Post Moderator Lead for Bored Panda. As my position title states, I am one of the people (employed Pandas for bamboo) over here who work with the community side of things on this website to ensure all is well, and while at that, I also help various creators and artists get recognition for the incredible work they do by connecting them to a large worldwide audience. Other than that, outside of work, you can find me brewing a nice cup of coffee, making a pizza from scratch, or baking brownies. I also love traveling, concerts, and cats (heavy on that, because I am a cat mom).

    What do you think ?
    A C
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those humans should have rocks tied to them. Some people should not be allowed to keep animals....this makes me so angry. I am glad some decent humans happened upon this poor doggy.....

    Snailssssssss !!!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The humans deserve a lot worse than getting rocks tied to them. They deserve to be dipped into an active volcano !!! And then fed to a thousand mosquitoes. Poor dog. I just want to cry at how cruel people are.

    Load More Replies...
    Estelle Giles-Monroe
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who knows what she survived in her life. Someone tried to murder her in an absolute cruel fashion. Who does this sh#t?

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who the hell does that to a dog? So happy Bella is safe and happy.

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only answer is to prosecute this with the same seriousness as you would it for a crime against a human. As attempted murder. Besides, whoever is capable of doing this to an animal likely is capable of doing it to a human, too.

    Parmeisan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My thoughts exactly. I fear for the safety of everyone walking the same streets as this person.

    Load More Replies...
    jknbt jknbt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    tie that rock around the neck of the jerk that did this and throw him in!!!!!!

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ll even buy the rope, help pick out the rock (really big and really heavy), hold them still while it’s being tied to their necks, and help drop them into the (really deep) water. We’ll do it at low tide, just to drag it out for several hours, too. People like that make my blood boil, and put a normally peace-loving person like me into a blind rage, bent on their destruction. I am overjoyed that Bella was found in time, and by two animal lovers who rescued her and took her to the right place, and right people, to nurse her back to health. And bless her new parents, who have obviously given her the very best life—-it absolutely shows in her face just how deliriously happy, safe, and secure she feels now.

    Load More Replies...
    Pagliaccetto
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And that's not all. Animal abuse isn't enough, the follow-up to this story is mysoginy. So listen it up, it turned out it was a guy who did that to the dog. His girlfriend was there and didn't stop him (and she admitted it was out of fear of being beat up as well). End of the story: the man who actually tried to cruelly drown the dog WAS NOT JUDGED GUILTY. The women who just stood there and didn't stop him out of terror, was judged guilty, had to pay a fine, and then harassed on social media to the point she had to escape. And she’s still with the abusive partner who, again, is the one who tried to kill the dog but was NOT JUDGED GUILTY.

    Lorelai Purvis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT... WHY IS HE NOT IN PRISON RIGHT NOW HE SHOULD BE IN PRISON AND SHE SHOULD BREAK UP WITH HIM THIS MAN IS //SICK//

    Load More Replies...
    Snake of Eden
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just imagine if no one noticed her... In my neighborhood there is a dog that is always kept outside, tied to a tree, only allowed a little plastic shelter with no toys, and a food and water bowl. Many people have tried to call the police on these people for practicly abusindg their dog like this, but the guidelines are as long as it has food shelter and water. That dog will never be able to get away :(

    Snailssssssss !!!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes it will. Rescue her !!! Steal that dog and give her to a loving family. Please. That poor creature

    Load More Replies...
    Susan Green
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This breaks my heart. What kind of monsters do this? There is no punishment severe enough for people who can do this to an animal, but sadly they only get a slap on the wrist. I am very happy beautiful Bella was rescued, given excellent vet care, and adopted. Seeing her so happy next to the Christmas tree brightens my day!

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This article made me growl in rage! Thankfully, it has a happy ending. I agree, the blob of toxic waste that subjected Bella to such suffering got off much too easily. I can see how angry other people are over this when I read about what they'd like to do to her tormentor!

    Load More Replies...
    Gabi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-56322272 Latham was given a 12-month community order and told to pay an £80 fine, £32 victim surcharge, and £200 in costs. She was also banned from keeping dogs for three years

    CrazedFalcon17
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Call me a sadist, but I don't think three years is enough. She should be totally banned from getting any kind of pet in her entire lifetime.

    Load More Replies...
    madeleine fitzsimons
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There’s a special place in hell for people like that. So happy for beautiful Bella she is with someone that really cares. 💖

    Snailssssssss !!!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think Satan would of taken the time to create a special place for these people. If I were him, I would just tie them to a rock and watch them bob about in the water

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    A C
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those humans should have rocks tied to them. Some people should not be allowed to keep animals....this makes me so angry. I am glad some decent humans happened upon this poor doggy.....

    Snailssssssss !!!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The humans deserve a lot worse than getting rocks tied to them. They deserve to be dipped into an active volcano !!! And then fed to a thousand mosquitoes. Poor dog. I just want to cry at how cruel people are.

    Load More Replies...
    Estelle Giles-Monroe
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who knows what she survived in her life. Someone tried to murder her in an absolute cruel fashion. Who does this sh#t?

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who the hell does that to a dog? So happy Bella is safe and happy.

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only answer is to prosecute this with the same seriousness as you would it for a crime against a human. As attempted murder. Besides, whoever is capable of doing this to an animal likely is capable of doing it to a human, too.

    Parmeisan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My thoughts exactly. I fear for the safety of everyone walking the same streets as this person.

    Load More Replies...
    jknbt jknbt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    tie that rock around the neck of the jerk that did this and throw him in!!!!!!

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ll even buy the rope, help pick out the rock (really big and really heavy), hold them still while it’s being tied to their necks, and help drop them into the (really deep) water. We’ll do it at low tide, just to drag it out for several hours, too. People like that make my blood boil, and put a normally peace-loving person like me into a blind rage, bent on their destruction. I am overjoyed that Bella was found in time, and by two animal lovers who rescued her and took her to the right place, and right people, to nurse her back to health. And bless her new parents, who have obviously given her the very best life—-it absolutely shows in her face just how deliriously happy, safe, and secure she feels now.

    Load More Replies...
    Pagliaccetto
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And that's not all. Animal abuse isn't enough, the follow-up to this story is mysoginy. So listen it up, it turned out it was a guy who did that to the dog. His girlfriend was there and didn't stop him (and she admitted it was out of fear of being beat up as well). End of the story: the man who actually tried to cruelly drown the dog WAS NOT JUDGED GUILTY. The women who just stood there and didn't stop him out of terror, was judged guilty, had to pay a fine, and then harassed on social media to the point she had to escape. And she’s still with the abusive partner who, again, is the one who tried to kill the dog but was NOT JUDGED GUILTY.

    Lorelai Purvis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT... WHY IS HE NOT IN PRISON RIGHT NOW HE SHOULD BE IN PRISON AND SHE SHOULD BREAK UP WITH HIM THIS MAN IS //SICK//

    Load More Replies...
    Snake of Eden
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just imagine if no one noticed her... In my neighborhood there is a dog that is always kept outside, tied to a tree, only allowed a little plastic shelter with no toys, and a food and water bowl. Many people have tried to call the police on these people for practicly abusindg their dog like this, but the guidelines are as long as it has food shelter and water. That dog will never be able to get away :(

    Snailssssssss !!!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes it will. Rescue her !!! Steal that dog and give her to a loving family. Please. That poor creature

    Load More Replies...
    Susan Green
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This breaks my heart. What kind of monsters do this? There is no punishment severe enough for people who can do this to an animal, but sadly they only get a slap on the wrist. I am very happy beautiful Bella was rescued, given excellent vet care, and adopted. Seeing her so happy next to the Christmas tree brightens my day!

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This article made me growl in rage! Thankfully, it has a happy ending. I agree, the blob of toxic waste that subjected Bella to such suffering got off much too easily. I can see how angry other people are over this when I read about what they'd like to do to her tormentor!

    Load More Replies...
    Gabi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-56322272 Latham was given a 12-month community order and told to pay an £80 fine, £32 victim surcharge, and £200 in costs. She was also banned from keeping dogs for three years

    CrazedFalcon17
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Call me a sadist, but I don't think three years is enough. She should be totally banned from getting any kind of pet in her entire lifetime.

    Load More Replies...
    madeleine fitzsimons
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There’s a special place in hell for people like that. So happy for beautiful Bella she is with someone that really cares. 💖

    Snailssssssss !!!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think Satan would of taken the time to create a special place for these people. If I were him, I would just tie them to a rock and watch them bob about in the water

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
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