Bella the Bichon

Female (Altered) — Date of Birth: 08/19/2007 (18 years old (Senior))

Bichon Frise / Maltese Mix

Bella is a sweet 5-year-old Bichon Frise/Maltese mix. She was one of the 58 Valentine's Day rescues. Bella had to be completely shaved down shortly after her rescue but her fur is growing in nicely--she's all white and getting very fluffy. Her teeth, unfortunately, were also in bad shape and had to be pulled. She can get her tongue her mouth but she just prefers to let it hang. Bella doesn't let her lack of teeth get in the way of anything, though. She currently enjoys a diet of rehydrated raw food (Sojos Complete) like her foster sisters. While the other dogs gnaw on bully sticks or pig ears, Bella happily gums away at a dog biscuit and loves every "bite!" Despite her rough start in life, she is adjusting well to her new life of leisure. Bella spends most of the day napping on the couch but gets really excited for meal time! Her foster mom lives in a third floor apartment. For the first six weeks, Bella had to be carried down the stairs. She now flies down the stairs or off the couch as if she were wearing a cape! Housetraining was also a challenge for a dog who ate and slept in her own filth for five years. She is still dependent on her pee-pee pad but rarely has accidents anymore. Bella is not crate-trained but she does very well when left alone in the little dog room (which is basically my spare room enclosed with a baby gate). She does sleep in bed with her foster mom on occasion without incident but is fine anywhere she sleeps. Bella is also great with children and other dogs. Her temperament is primarily that of the Bichon Frise. She gets very excited at meal times but doesn't bark otherwise; while her foster sisters are barking their heads off, Bella remains cool as a cucumber. Same goes for walks. She used to be very fearful of strangers and other dogs. Now she happily sniffs and allows herself to be sniffed. Bella is completely vetted, spayed and ready for her forever home.