The Legend of Rodent-Hunting Bella Johnson

Kim Johnson met her terrier mutt, Bella, as an abandoned puppy in Georgia. “She was very feisty but sweet,” recalls Johnson who agreed to adopt the pup. “Bella grew up to be every human’s friend and every other dog’s boss.” While Bella was the fun police discouraging dogs from playing, she loved for people to pick her up and cuddle.

Weighing in at about 14 pounds, Bella lived a legendary life full of adventures, cheese, rodent killing and sunbathing. She recently passed away at age 16. A small but mighty companion, Johnson says of Bella, “I felt comfortable traveling and camping alone with her, she was such a comfort.”

An independent dog always on the go, Bella was hard to keep contained. When she lived in Georgia, she’d regularly escape to join neighbors on their runs, knowing each person’s schedule. One runner said “This is the only little dog a man could love.” Bella was once arrested for being at large and Johnson had to pick her up from a police station, where she was enjoying hanging out with the cops. She chased school buses and Fed Ex trucks; Johnson says it’s a wonder Bella lived to be 16.

Bella was an avid hiker and camper and joined Johnson as they summited many mountains, hiked all the trails in the area, and went on several overnight backpacking adventures together. “People would greet her on the trail with a laugh, she was such a happy dog ” says Johnson. Bella’s small stature didn’t deter her from roaming while hiking, hunting rodents in the wild was her favorite pastime, and Johnson feared that a bear or mountain lion would be her demise. When Bella became unable to walk, Johnson carried her in a backpack with her head sticking out and Bella still made friends, people passing by were eager to stop and talk to her.

As she neared the century mark in dog years, Bella began having neurological problems, dizziness, and became increasingly wobbly. Johnson took her to Black Dog Rehab. “I have never seen Bella relax as much or cooperate as she did when Darcy touched her,” recalls Johnson. “We had a recurring appointment and Bella knew when it was and was ready and eager to go.” Bella’s treatment included tail traction, neck traction, dry needling, cold laser therapy, and exercises to do at home. Johnson observed that it was easier for Bella to walk after appointments and treatment slowed her decline.

Johnson also appreciated the many resources Darcy shared including equipment for the home, how to set things up at home to help Bella, early signs to watch for when Bella shouldn’t use stairs anymore, and connecting her with Peaceful Journeys Hospice Care. 

“I miss my little buddy,” says Johnson, “I haven’t adulted without her until now,” but adds, “I believe Darcy added another year on to her life.” 

Goodbye little Bella and Happy Trails!

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