Bella

My story

PLEASE NOTE! Unless stated otherwise, our dogs and puppies are located in Arkansas, and transported to the north/northeast once adopted. We do occasionally have dogs/puppies placed in foster homes in the north/northeast. In the cases where the pet is somewhere other than Arkansas, it will be noted beside the name of the pet. 8/27/25 Bella is a darling senior Shih Tzu mix who still has lots of life left and needs a loving home! She was originally adopted from a local shelter here in Arkansas, but after a few months she was surrendered to our rescue because she 'barks too much.' Which is very strange to us, because after being with us for 6 weeks now, we still haven't heard her make a single sound, other than the occasional snore when she's sleeping. Bella is a gentle, shy soul who is just learning how to open up. She adores her foster family and really needs another dog to follow. She was very shut down when she came to us, but in her foster home she has learned to dog again and it is such a beautiful thing to see. She is now chasing balls, playing with toys, and cuddling with the humans. She is wonderful with other dogs as well as cats. Bella is 12 years old and weighs about 18 lbs but needs to lose a little weight. She seems to be healthy, but does have an occasional cough, usually only when picked up around her tummy. We had her checked out with our vet and her heart and lungs sounded fine. We think it may just be the result of being overweight and when pressure is applied to her tummy, it then puts pressure on other areas as well, causing her to cough a little bit. That's really the only time it happens is when she's picked up. She may have a little arthritis as well, which losing some weight will help with that. Her foster mom is working hard to help her get to a healthier weight. Bella is a precious girl who just needs a family to love her as much as her foster family does. She also enjoys swimming! Who would have thought? We didn't expect it but we were pleasantly surprised! If you have another frienly dog who will play with Bella and you can provide a loving home for her, please reach out to us. She is located in Hot Springs, AR and we would really prefer that she go to a local home. I think the transport would be hard on her. But we would consider trransporting her for the right adopter.  She is spayed, UTD on vaccines, heartworm negative, and on preventatives.  To apply to adopt, https://form.jotform.com/212690945239059 For more info or questions, email us at apps.aasr@gmail.com Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.Our typical adoption fee for puppies younger than 6 months old is $400, and for older puppies and adults, the usual fee is $350. This includes microchip, spay/neuter,  up to date on age appropriate vaccinations, dewormings, flea/tick treatment, and heartworm test (if over 6 months old) as well as heartworm treatment if they test positive. There is a transport fee of $150 per dog, depending on the transporter. We use Pack Leaders Rescue Dog Transport most often, but also use Hearts Transport as well on occasion. Please visit our Facebook page too! https://www.facebook.com/adoptastrayrescueorg For more info regarding adopting, email apps.aasr@gmail.com Thank you for considering one of our rescue babies!August 30, 2025, 11:29 am

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Bella, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.