Cuddles and smiles had always been Bella’s signature. This bubbly pup was full of energy and love until fate took a harsh turn.
Instead of finding her forever family right away, Bella was left waiting for more than 100 long days in the shelter.
Endless nights and days inside a small kennel became her hardest struggle. Soon, she was unfairly seen as the dog nobody wanted. For a joyful girl like Bella, that label was the last thing she could have imagined.
Bella’s Backstory
This three-year-old girl was surrendered to the Humane Society of Broward County, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when her owner was forced to give her up after the landlord refused to allow Bulldog breeds.
Even though she had to say a heartbreaking goodbye to her favorite person, Bella never lost her sweet personality. She kept showering everyone with affection, greeting each bit of attention with love.
“All of the staff and volunteers love her,” the HSBC team wrote on their TikTok account.
But as the weeks went on, things changed. Instead of being adopted quickly, Bella spent more than 100 days behind kennel bars.
“She’s Starting To Shut Down”
After 130 days, Bella’s spirit began to crumble. The dog who once lit up the room with her wagging tail and big smile now seemed distant and withdrawn.
She no longer played or greeted her caregivers with joy. Instead, she lay still on the floor with a vacant stare, showing the first signs of depression.
“She’s starting to shut down… We’re not sure why adopters have passed her by, because Bella is so fantastic” the HSBC team wrote.
Determined to help her, the team decided it was time to try something different.
They posted a note on Bella’s kennel, written as if from her own voice.
“I try to keep my spirits up but after 130 days of this lonely cage, I’m starting to think no one will ever pick me. I don’t understand. I’m potty trained, well-behaved, like most dogs, love fetch, the kiddie pool, I love the tiniest of children and big humans too,” the document said.
Soon after, they recorded a video and posted it on their official TikTok. Within hours, thousands of people responded.
A Home After Four Months
Less than 24 hours later, Bella’s miracle arrived: a forever mom.
A woman from Delray Beach, Florida, saw the video and rushed to the shelter, determined to be first in line to adopt her.
From the moment they met, Bella and her new mom clicked instantly. Shelter staff said their matching energy made the bond immediate and effortless.
It wasn’t long before Bella was riding in the car with her new favorite person, ready to start her next adventure. This time, she was certain: life was finally going to be perfect.