sloughi rescue

Belle Donna came into rescue in June 2005 when she was 8 years old and was one of the dogs that was signed over for rehoming to the RSPCA immediately. Donna was sent with two other Sloughis to Ashley Heath Rescue Centre. However it became clear to staff that she was really not coping in kennels at all and her health was deteriorating. She was taken to Bath Cats and Dogs Home as they had more experience with the breed where she coped slightly better - although was clearly a very traumatised dog. She was so frightened of the world that she would fall to the floor if someone entered her kennel and had to be carried outdoors.

Then Donna's luck changed. In December 2005 she was spotted on a website by a couple who had already adopted an older greyhound (Beau) from GRWE and were looking for a companion for him. They thought Donna looked perfect and after one visit Donna went to live in Manchester. First thing to change about Donna was her name, she became Belle.

Belle and Atalanta

Belle was very shy and timid to start with and still had to be carried to go outside of the house. However it only took a couple of months, with a lot of love, kindness and patience from her new owners to encourage Belle that going out for a walk was actually something to be enjoyed. By February 2006 Belle was already off the lead and enjoying her walks very much with Beau.

Bell and Beau on the beach Since her adoption, and inspired by Belle's love of the coast (her first time at the beach was at Formby and was the first time her owners really saw her playful nature), the family have moved to Cornwall. Although still quite timid around people she now has lots of gentle human visitors who bring their canine companions along and this certainly is helping her overcome her fears. She now loves to play with other dogs and already has a very good friend in a semi-feral farm dog in the area. He has already taught her the joys of beach life so she includes in her favourite pastimes - digging in the sand, climbing over rocks, paddling in the sea, rolling in fox poo (well we can't all be perfect!) and just generally having a good old explore!

Belle in the Bellemobile Belle also loves going for trips in the car (so much so that the car has now been named 'The Belle Mobile').

Her favourite pastime of all is eating her dinner and then laying on the sofa (well she is a Sloughi after all). Laying on the sofa in fact for as long as possible (she does not like to be disturbed in the morning before 10/11 am!).

Belle

Cuddles on the sofa with her human family and Beau is her favourite of all, she has become an extremely affectionate dog and as you can see from the photos the haunted look in her eyes has now vanished.

Belle in her jimjams

Belle's new owners describe her as 'Brave, curious and divine' and despite the fact that she seems to have commandered the sofa they simply adore her. A very happy ending for this wonderful girl.

Belle is half sister to Sara and Effie , Aunt of George, and Great Aunt to Streaky and Twin