Join Bella's Path to Health and Happiness

On July 14th, I stopped to get gas on the corner of Arlington and Washington Blvd when I spotted a dog wandering alone near the busy intersection. I watched in horror as she narrowly avoided being hit by multiple cars. Without thinking, I dropped everything and ran into the street, trying to stop traffic and flag people down to help me catch her. After 40 exhausting minutes of chasing her through the neighborhood with the help of a few kind strangers, we were finally able to corner her. She was trembling, terrified, and completely shut down.

Someone helped me get her into my car, and that’s when I noticed—she had no collar, no tag, and was matted, dirty, and clearly neglected. Unsure of what else to do, I took her to the South LA animal shelter. She wasn’t microchipped, so they placed her on a 10-day stray hold in case her family came looking for her. But during those 10 days, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I kept feeling like she had been put in my path for a reason.

I reached out to several rescues for help, but most didn’t respond. The ones that did were already full and unable to take her in. When her stray hold ended, I returned to the shelter and pulled her out—no plan, no backup, just a deep feeling that I couldn’t leave her behind. When I picked her up, she melted into my arms like she remembered me. It was one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever experienced.

Unfortunately, a trip to the vet revealed she tested positive for Bacteria Mycoplasma, a respiratory infection, and she was infested with fleas. The bill quickly climbed over $1,000. I’ve been covering everything out of my own pocket, but without the help of a rescue, it’s become overwhelming. I’m now asking for support from my community—to help me pay off the vet bill and, most importantly, help me find this sweet girl the loving home she deserves.

I've named her Bella, and now that she’s healing, her goofy, loving personality is starting to shine through. She’s playful, curious, and so grateful for every bit of love she receives. I truly believe Bella was searching for a second chance—and I’m doing everything I can to give her that and get her healthy so that she can be ready to find her forever home. She is about 10 months old, vaccinated & spayed.

Thank you for reading and for any support you can give. ❤️