Bella the canine who was rescued from drowning in River Trent at Farndon lastly finds her eternally residence

A dog rescued from drowning in the River Trent in Farndon has finally found her at home forever after recovering from her ordeal in RSPCA foster care for 15 months.

Bella was rescued from the river near Long Lane, Farndon, on Jan. 6 when two dog walkers saw her struggle in the water after drowning – with her lead on a large rock in the water.

She was immediately taken to a local veterinarian for emergency treatment.

Bella found her at home forever. Bella with her new owners Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas.

Bella, then ten years old, was transferred to RSPCA custody and looked after by staff from the Radcliffe Animal Center while police opened an investigation to find out who was responsible.

Bella was fortunate enough to survive her ordeal in the freezing water, but it was found that she had a number of complex health needs.

However, after months of rehabilitation she was completely transformed and has now found her home forever with Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas from South Derbyshire.

The retired couple is a perfect match for Bella, who is now 11, as she has had German Shepherd-type dogs before and has the time to give her the love and attention she deserves.

On Wednesday, the couple left to enjoy their new pet for some time before moving in with them.

Bella’s savior, Jane Harper and her friend Joanne Bellamy, were also invited to witness the happy occasion.

Maggie said, “We as a family have had three German Shepherd-type dogs in the past 30 years and we really love them. Two years ago we lost our rescue dog Tia / Luna and this year my daughter’s dog Flame. We really missed her.

Bella found her at home forever. Bella with her rescuers Jane Harper and Joanne Bellamy.

“Then we saw Bella’s story in the press a few weeks ago and the fact that she needed a home, so my daughter Clare Lusher encouraged us to apply for her.

“We know that she needs regular veterinary appointments and is willing to finance them. We know she is in her older years, but we just want to give her a loving home that she deserves after everything she has been through.

“We’re both retired so she’ll always have what she really needs for our company, and it will be great for us too.”

Charlie added, “We were horrified by what happened to Bella and when we visited, we realized what a great personality she has and she is really perfect for us.”

Jane, who rescued Bella from the rock in the river, said, “It is quite emotional to see Bella as it brings back memories of that terrible day, but we are thrilled to see how she was transformed by the staff here at the RSPCA .

Charlene Latham, 32, formerly of Newark, was sentenced to a 12-month injunction last month after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bella by attempting to drown her.

In addition to a 12 month joint injunction, she was fined £ 80 for paying £ 200 costs and a £ 32 sacrificial surcharge. She was also banned from keeping dogs for three years.