Rescues can completely change the course of a dog’s life, and sometimes, they even surprise the people doing the saving.
Every act of kindness toward an animal matters, no matter how small it seems in the moment. For one Florida fire department, what began as a routine rescue turned into something extraordinary.
When Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue received a call about a dog stuck in a canal, they quickly jumped into action. None of them could have guessed what they were about to uncover.
A Swift And Successful Rescue
After responding to the 911 call, the firefighters arrived to find a frightened pup struggling to stay above the waterline. The dog was clinging to a ledge, unable to climb out on her own.
Without hesitation, the team waded into the canal to help. Thankfully, the rescue went smoothly. The dog stayed calm throughout and was pulled to safety in just a few minutes.
Once she was safely on land, officers from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department scanned her for a microchip. To everyone’s relief, they found one. What they didn’t expect was how far from home she really was.
The information showed that the dog, named Bella, belonged to a family who lived roughly 200 miles away in St. Cloud. When police contacted them, they were stunned to hear that Bella had been missing for six long years.
Lost For Six Years, Then Finally Found
The family explained that they lost Bella after their home caught fire years earlier. During the chaotic aftermath, they were forced to move into a hotel.
Because of the temporary housing situation, they entrusted Bella to a friend until they could get back on their feet.
Unfortunately, that friend gave Bella away without telling them. Despite their efforts to find her, the family had no luck and eventually lost all hope.
Now, years later, Bella had somehow survived on her own before winding up in that canal. Her rescuers believe she had likely been abandoned again at some point.
When the reunion finally happened, it was a joyful and emotional moment.
The family celebrated her return with treats, a steak dinner, and plenty of hugs. Bella’s tail wagged nonstop as she recognized her people.
What began as an ordinary rescue turned into something unforgettable, a six-year mystery finally solved and a family made whole again.
