By Janet McAfee
I was recently contacted by 18-yr-old Isabella (Bella) who lives in San Diego with her family. She wanted to know the background on their beloved dog Lucky adopted from Loving All Animals in 2017. Lucky sadly passed away on January 26, 2024.
A check on our computer revealed this adorable Cockapoo mix boy was rescued by Loving All Animals from the crowded San Bernardino City Shelter in 2017. He was picked up by that city’s animal control, another stray animal found in the streets whose owner never came to claim him. LAA provided all his veterinary needs including neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Bella’s parents saw the pup on social media and drove all the way to Palm Desert to meet this sweet 2-yr-old fellow.
This was their first family dog, and he was a surprise for their daughter who was graduating from 5th grade middle school. Bella and her younger brother were thrilled beyond words with the new arrival. The dog was a bit of a couch potato upon arrival, but soon did joyful zoomies throughout the house once he realized this was his forever home. Bella named her best fur friend Lucky, and everyone he met fell in love with this bouncing young canine. Devoted Lucky loved his family members and preferred cuddling with them to playing with his many toys.
A dog teaches us many lessons including how to live joyfully in the moment and how to love unconditionally. Sadly, their lives on earth are not that long. At the age of 12, Lucky was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. Despite the excellent treatment he received at the Poway Animal Hospital, Lucky lost his battle.
By his side during this ordeal, Bella recalled that it was her childhood dream to become a veterinarian. Monitoring Lucky’s medical condition reignited her inspiration to help these deserving creatures. In preparation for this career, Bella shadowed several veterinarians in clinics near her home.
Bella also volunteers at the wonderful Helen Woodward Animal Center, working with the shelter’s animals and fostering some of their dogs. This amazing facility in San Diego County is renowned for their work and I was privileged to attend their free training program about 10 years ago. Bella is an amazing, young “rescue warrior” at a time when the crisis for homeless animals grows worse and many of them have medical issues.
In the Fall, Bella will attend the University of California in Riverside majoring in microbiology. Lucky’s spirit will always be by her side as she undergoes the rigors of college and then veterinary school. Our entire country is experiencing a severe shortage of veterinarians which makes Bella’s journey even more important.
Our Coachella Valley dog owners know first-hand about the vet shortage. Many people move to this region to retire and many of the veterinarians we have are reaching retirement age. Some local residents journey to Los Angeles and even Mexico to obtain faster and more affordable treatment for their dogs and cats. I often receive phone calls from people whose pet is in a medical crisis when our only previous 24-hour clinic, VCA on Jefferson in Indio, no longer has overnight hours. Veterinary school is expensive and takes many years to complete.
We all grieve when a beloved animal passes away. Not all of us are prepared to train for the professions to help them. Adopting another dog or cat never replaces the one you lose, but it helps fill the hole in your heart. Check out the many wonderful animals at our large county shelter, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, in Thousand Palms, open 10am to4pm Monday through Saturday, www.rcdas.org. Talk to their helpful staff when you spot an animal you like and visit in a private visiting room. Volunteer opportunities abound at the shelters and rescues listed on the opposite page. Contact Loving All Animals about adoption and volunteer opportunities at 760-834-7000, www.lovingallanimals.org.
Imagine the thousands of animals that will now get the help they need once Bella completes her training! Inspired by one little rescue dog, this young woman will help so many families with their cherished pets. Lucky’s spirit will always be by Bella’s side as his legacy of love continues.
