In Williams Lake and the surrounding areas, a remarkable story of survival and community spirit is unfolding as the search for Bella, a beloved seven-year-old white guardian dog, continues. Bella went missing on Nov. 2, 2024 after being startled by a car backfiring, and while her incredible resilience has inspired many, her trail has gone cold after two weeks with no sightings.
Bella, a mix of Great Pyrenees and Komondor, has proven to be an extraordinary survivor. For weeks, she navigated rugged terrain, harsh weather and freezing temperatures, evading all attempts to safely bring her home. Described as shy but sweet, Bella’s early life on a farm with little human contact has made her wary of strangers. Yet, she has left a lasting impact on everyone who has come to know her story.
The search for Bella has brought the community together in extraordinary ways. Volunteers have dedicated countless hours setting up feeding stations, monitoring trail cameras, building humane traps and searching on foot and by drone.
Bella has been seen in areas as remote as Fox Mountain above WiIliams Lake, the dairy fields, and even cut blocks east of the Williams Lake Regional Airport. Other possible sightings include the Dog Creek area and downtown. Her movements, though unpredictable, demonstrate her incredible survival instincts.
As time passes, concern grows for Bella’s safety. Some speculate that she may be heading toward her previous home in Quesnel, where she lived before being adopted. Efforts are now being made to reach out to landowners, ranchers, and residents in Williams Lake, Quesnel and the surrounding areas in different directions to keep an eye out for her.
“I’m not Bella’s owner, but her story has deeply touched me and so many others,” one supporter shared. “Bella is a survivor, but she belongs at home with her family. This community has already done so much to help, but we’re now asking for even more people to join in and spread the word.”
Bella is easily recognizable by her white coat, her Vancouver 2010 Olympics collar, and a bright blue dog tag. Her supporters ask that anyone who spots her avoid approaching directly, as she is extremely skittish, and instead report the sighting immediately.
The hope is that by reaching beyond social media, awareness will reach those who may not have seen her story online but can help in critical ways.
“It’s not just about one dog,” the supporter continued. “Bella represents how a community can come together with love and determination. I truly believe we can bring her home.”
If you see Bella or think you may have spotted her, please call 250-303-2335 immediately. Even the smallest lead could make a world of difference.
To Bella’s owner and all who love her, this journey has been an emotional one. But hope remains strong, and the search continues. Together, this community is proving that no effort is too great when it comes to bringing Bella home.
