It’s hard to understand how anyone could be so heartless toward a loyal animal. Sadly, stories of abused and abandoned dogs are far too common. One such heartbreaking case took place in 2020, when a dog was deliberately tied to a heavy rock and left in a river to drown. But what started as a tragic tale has taken a hopeful turn, as the dog now has a new family and a loving home.
It was a cold winter day when Jane Harper decided to take a walk near the River Trent in England. During her stroll, she noticed a dog fighting to stay above water. Without hesitation, Jane rushed in to help. She quickly discovered the dog was attached to a large rock by her leash—someone had clearly tried to end the animal’s life in the cruelest way.
The dog had managed to rest her head on a step just above the water, struggling to breathe. Jane was horrified. “She literally fought to get her head above water,” she later said. “I don’t know how long she had been there, but I don’t think she could have lasted much longer. It was just so cruel.”
Thankfully, Jane’s quick actions saved the dog’s life. The animal, a 10-year-old Belgian shepherd named Bella, was immediately taken to a nearby veterinarian for emergency care. Her condition was serious—she was freezing, trembling uncontrollably, and unable to stand. The vet said that without timely treatment, Bella wouldn’t have survived much longer.
After her initial care, Bella was moved to the RSPCA Radcliffe Animal Centre in Nottingham, where she began a long journey of recovery. Staff worked hard to help her heal physically and emotionally. Through Bella’s microchip, investigators tracked down her owner, 31-year-old Carlene Latham, who admitted she had tried to drown the dog. She pleaded guilty and was handed a 12-month community service sentence, ordered to pay fines, and banned from owning dogs for three years.
While justice was served, the most important part of Bella’s story was still ahead. After spending more than a year recovering at the RSPCA centre, Bella’s story reached the hearts of many—including Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas, a couple from South Derbyshire.
Maggie and Charlie were deeply moved by Bella’s ordeal and felt drawn to her. With decades of experience caring for shepherd-type dogs, they knew they could give Bella the safe and loving environment she deserved. They were fully aware that Bella, now 11, would need regular vet visits, and they were more than ready to support her in every way.
The couple officially adopted Bella, marking a new beginning for the senior dog. On the day of her adoption, Bella was also reunited with Jane Harper, the woman who had rescued her from the river. Seeing Bella again brought back powerful memories for Jane, but it was also emotional in a positive way. “It’s quite emotional seeing Bella again,” she said. “But we’re so happy to see how much she’s changed thanks to the amazing work by the RSPCA.”
The RSPCA team, who had cared for Bella for so long, felt a bittersweet mix of sadness and joy as they said goodbye. They were proud to see her leave with a family who truly loved her, even though they would miss her deeply. “Bella has been so brave throughout everything,” they wrote in a Facebook post. “She really is one of a kind and has touched hearts all over the world.”
From nearly drowning in a freezing river to finally finding peace in a warm, loving home, Bella’s story is a powerful reminder of how compassion and kindness can change a life. She may have had a rough start, but thanks to the people who stepped up to save her, she now has the comfort, care, and love she always deserved.
