When 6-year-old Bella, a sweet beagle mix, arrived at Columbus Humane, her life was in transition.
Her family, facing new life changes and no longer able to meet her needs, made the difficult decision to surrender her. It was a heartfelt choice- one that many pet owners face when circumstances shift.
From the moment Bella stepped through our doors, she was a gentle soul. Friendly with other dogs and affectionate with our staff, she quietly won over everyone she met. But during her intake exam, our veterinary team noticed something alarming—Bella had visible blood in her urine and signs of abdominal pain.
X-rays revealed several large bladder stones- painful, obstructive, and in need of surgical removal.
That’s when Bella’s story became more than a medical case—it became a powerful learning opportunity. Under the guidance of Columbus Humane’s expert veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians, fourth-year veterinary students from The Ohio State University stepped in to assist with her procedure. These students helped with diagnostics, prepared for surgery, and gained firsthand experience providing high-quality medical care in a shelter environment.
Bella’s surgery not only changed her life—it helped shape the careers of future veterinarians. As they worked together to ensure Bella’s safety and comfort, students developed practical skills in surgical support, patient monitoring, and post-operative care, all while learning the compassion required to serve pets in need.
Thanks to this teamwork, Bella recovered beautifully. With a new prescription diet to prevent future issues and lots of TLC, she was soon back to enjoying walks and belly rubs. Before long, she found her forever family, who recently shared:
“She is medically doing great! She’s been getting checked every couple weeks at the vet and it’s all going great. She is super loving, sleeps by my side every night, loves kisses, and absolutely loves her beagle siblings. I am so happy with her," said Bella's new mom.
At Columbus Humane, every animal teaches us something—and Bella’s case taught future veterinarians not just how to save a life, but how to do it with empathy and skill.
To our supporters, volunteers, students, and adopters—thank you. You made Bella’s second chance and this amazing learning experience a reality.
