Pets

Dog Rescued By Fire Department Reunited With Family Following 6-Year Absence

A dog named Bella was rescued by firefighters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who then reunited her with the family who had been missing her for six years.

Two pretty amazing things happened to a Florida German shepherd named Bella earlier this month.

First, firefighters with the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department rescued Bella from a canal where she had been stranded on a ledge and partially submerged.

Second, after the fire crew brought Bella back to their firehouse, where she was given food, water and rest, they scanned her for a microchip, which led to Bella being reunited with her family, from whom she had been missing for six years.

According to the family, they had been forced to temporarily move into a hotel after their house caught fire in 2019. At that time, Bella was placed with a family friend, who ended up giving her away without the family’s knowledge or permission.

Lisa and Jason Nicholson drove 200 miles from St. Cloud to Fort Lauderdale with their daughters Jaylianna, 11, and Liberty, 18, to be reunited with their long-lost pet.

"Hugging Bella again felt like our family was made whole again — like being reunited with a long-lost friend," Lisa Nicholson told People.com. "We had a welcome party with a bunch of doggie treats and new toys. We gave her a steak and she loved it! She also got a new doggie bed."

The Nicholsons say they hope Bella’s story will encourage other families to get their pets microchipped.

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.