Rescuers weren't sure German shepherd Bella was alive... but now she's full of life with Lancashire family

The new owners of a German Shepherd who was given life-saving CPR by vets after being found emaciated and ‘near death’ have spoken of the joy she has brought into their lives.

Four-year-old Bella was shaking and unresponsive when she was rescued from a property in Lancashire by the RSPCA and rushed for emergency treatment.

The charity’s rescuers, who discovered her collapsed in a dark room lying in urine and faeces, weren't sure whether she was dead or alive.

She was rushed to Vets for Pets in Colne by RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Jess Pierce, where she was treated immediately, before being transported to Vets Now in Bury to be monitored overnight at their 24-hour emergency hospital.

However, on arrival, Bella’s heartbeat could no longer be detected and the team successfully resuscitated her by performing CPR. Their actions saved her life and by the following morning she was eating and able to stand up.

Bella spent a further week at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Hospital before being moved to the charity’s Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch rehoming centre to continue her rehabilitation.

The traumatised dog was gradually nursed back to full health and spent 229 days at the animal centre before being adopted by Dave and Jan Taylor in November last year.

The couple, who have owned German Shepherds before, described Bella as a “special dog” who is now being thoroughly spoiled.

Mr Taylor said: “She’s come on in leaps and bounds. She was fascinated by everything and anything at first.

“She loved watching a little bird that had nested in our eaves, it was all so new to her. When you let her out in the morning she’ll just run, it’s almost like she’s saying “freedom.”

“She has more toys than a nursery, she’s obsessed with them - her favourite at the moment is a frisbee. I’m retired now so she’s with me every day and she’s also come on holiday with us to a little place in Wales which has an enclosed field where she can run to her heart’s content.

“She has her own little mannerisms, and she’s not particularly keen on other dogs, but we’re continuing to work on that. She gives us so much love and she’ll be with us forever.”

Mrs Taylor said Bella now weighs 36 kilos (79.36 lbs), compared to 21.5kg (47.4lb) when she was rescued in March last year.

She added: “When we first went to stroke Bella she would cower and put her head down, which was really upsetting to see. We’ve taken things very gradually with her, letting her do things at her own pace, and the longer she’s been with us, the more relaxed she’s become.

“She craves attention all the time and just wants to be with us. Our neighbours and friends adore her. Despite everything she’s been through she’ll let you check her paws or her eyes or her nose - it’s like she knows you are going to help her.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who helped Bella and brought her into our lives, she’s our world.”

Deputy Chief Inspector Pierce said she would never forget Bella’s case: “She was near death and I think if we hadn’t found her when we did she wouldn't have survived the day.

“Some incidents stay with you and her case always will. The veterinary practices saved her life and I’m so grateful for the care and compassion they gave Bella.

“Seeing the pictures of her in her new home, living her best life with Dave and Jan, are just so heartwarming.

“Above anything else, Bella’s story is one of resilience, and I’m so thankful to all the people who have been involved in her journey.”