Paralyzed pooch inspires a community

A hot June day did not stop little Bella, a paralyzed four-year-old beagle-dachshund mix, from being herself. Kiki McGough, Bella’s owner, said Bella’s disability does not prevent her from living her best life. She shows the same beagle-like curiosity and bark as any other dog.

But Bella is not like any other dog. Fitted in a floral harness, Bella caught the attention of everyone on the street. When she is not in her stroller or wheelchair, she can be found happily dragging her legs behind her, sniffing anything in her way.

“She really does turn heads. Bella is a beautiful dog, but she is much more than that. She is a reminder that life does not have to stop because of a disability,” said McGough.

For McGough, it was like fate. About a year after her previous dog, Watson, passed, Bella found her way into McGough’s life. She suffers from the same paralysis that Watson did. Their faces even bear a striking resemblance to each other.

“So many dogs are left behind in shelters, just because they are disabled. I have worked in special education for a while and I want to give these dogs a chance just like we do our children,” said McGough.

Watson was a popular dog with a fanbase on Facebook and left a lasting impact with those he interacted with. Watson was a symbol for not only dogs with disabilities but humans as well, participating in community outreach events and making public appearances.

“Watson was my soul dog. He did as much for the community as he did for me. Watson never let his disability get in the way of making people happy,” said McGough.

Now, Bella takes on what Watson left behind. She finds herself as a greeter at Mile Hi Church, never wearing the same dress twice. She is often found in classrooms, reading to children and getting pets in between. Bella attends events for people and pets with disabilities whenever possible.

On her Facebook page, Bella’s Joyful Journey, McGough chronicles Bella’s therapy program, events, and daily life.

Bella came from a neglectful household in Pennsylvania, having been left outside long enough for her hind legs to become paralyzed. She was put up for adoption and caught McGough’s eye. Soon, Bella was on her way to her new home in Colorado.

“Sometimes, when I look at her and she looks at me, I can tell she knows she was given a chance. Now, like every dog I have owned or fostered, she teaches me new lessons every day,” said McGough.

Bella won first place in the Colorado Pet Pantry’s annual calendar contest, scoring the cover image for next year’s edition.

“The idea for the pantry was not a grand one, but it turned out that way when I realized how much impact it makes,” said Eileen Lambert, founder and executive director of the Colorado Pet Pantry. “Thanks to Kiki and her community, the pantry has gained more traction and we can help feed more pets.”

The calendar gives hope for dogs and people with disabilities alike. Having had Watson and now Bella on the front page helps remove the stigma surrounding disabilities.

“There is so much stigma surrounding special needs animals, with many people often hesitant to let their dogs live the life they are supposed to because of their needs. Bella, like Watson, is sweet and loving, just like any other dog. That is what makes her so special,” said Kris Phillips, a photographer for the Colorado Pet Pantry’s annual calendar.

Phillips has worked with many dogs in her time as a pet photographer and has found that dogs like Watson and Bella show just as much life, if not more, as any other dog.

“Bella showed so much energy during her calendar shoot. Just like Watson, she would be quick and energetic, a really awesome dog to work with,” Phillips said. “She still loves everyone she gets to know. And they love her.”

This Sunday, July 5, Bella celebrates the first anniversary of her new life in Colorado. She’ll mark the occasion in a new dress at Mile Hi Church.

“Sometimes when I am in bed, she will lie with me. She will look directly in my eyes, lay her paw on my hand, and give me a kiss. That is all I could ask for,” McGough said. “It is like Watson sent her. Even in her wheelchair, nothing can stop her from being herself.”