About BELLA

Bella's Story Currently a 'stray' in our neighborhood -- we list 'stray' in quotes because Bella's been done dirty by her former family, though they don't deserve the word. In a changing neighborhood where animal culture and commitment can be lacking, we had our hunches about Bella's story but got confirmation just last week. Bella hangs outside of a specific building and has been there for three or four years, according to the people who feed her and other cats in the neighborhood. She clearly had a home at one point. Not one to stray from her turf, totally out of character, recently we saw Bella become downright giddy and start prancing after a woman leaving those apartments. The woman was carrying two small dogs by the scruff of their necks (ummmm what???), and Bella was alight, hustling, desperately following her like, 'hi! It's me! Remember me?!' But the woman didn't care -- After the dogs pottied, the woman turned back home...and guess who followed at her heels all googly-eyed. Bella's feeder couldn't believe his eyes - no question at one time this was Bella's mom. 'Is she your cat?' we asked. She paused, not even looking down at her: 'Noooo.' 'She really likes you�'�|' and she kept walking without a second thought and just like that, Bella was left alone in the street once again. She hunkered down, solitary and heart broken - but not for long. We are determined to show Bella that not all people will throw her out in the street, that in fact love can be a two way street and will soon be the only street she knows, and that it's ok to trust because someone will love her as much as she has love to give and will treat her the way she deserves to be treated. Knowing her history, it's understandable that Bella has some trust issues. But seeing the love and joy pour out of her last night, we know it's not buried too deep down. In fact -- LAST NIGHT SHE NOT ONLY LET ME PET HER, BUT HEADBUTTED MY HAND!!! It's sad to see her feel like she sometimes has to protect herself on the street, but we know that Bella is a house cat through and through. She's out during the day, she loves treats, will look at you and plaintively meow like Lauren Bacall - a beauty who knows she deserves better and isn't afraid to ask for it, and (drumroll, please�'�|.PLAYS!!!). Street cats don't play (literally or metaphorically).

Los Angeles County
TOPANGA, California 90290