The Best Mother’s Day Gift Possible: A Second Chance at Life

May 7, 2014 (Fort Worth, TX) – Bella captivated the nation when she used her body to shield her newborn foal, Butterscotch, from the flames of a late night barn fire one-month ago today. She is now in recovery at a local Decatur equine clinic where she has made amazing progress towards a healthy life.

When word of her Bella’s heroic act spread, HSNT was overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, whose resulting donations have funded Bella’s ongoing medical treatment. Thanks to Bella’s supporters, she has been able to spend the last two weeks recovering in a equine clinic where the staff is able to monitor and treat her around-the-clock. Our staff and volunteers have visited daily to take Bella and Butterscotch on walks in the pasture to ensure they can stretch their legs, soak up the sun and enjoy some fresh spring air.

Thanks to her detailed burn-care regiment, her charred skin is slowly peeling and giving way to healthy, pink skin. Bella’s ears, which were the site of her most severe burns, began moving last week for the first time since the incident and her sassy personality is really starting to shine through. While she is still not out of the woods, her medical team is very optimistic that she will make a full recovery.

“When you see Butterscotch run and leap in the pasture while doting Bella watches on protectively, you can’t help but feel your heart swell with joy,” said Whitney Hanson, Director of Development and Communications at the Humane Society of North Texas. “This is what their lives should look like and thanks to our community, it has become a reality. Bella has received the best Mother’s Day gift possible: a second chance.”

Mothers from around the world sent in tear-stained letters of support of brave Bella, touched by her unyielding maternal love. Are you looking for a way to honor your own beloved mother this Mother’s Day? Consider making a tribute gift in her honor to the Humane Society of North Texas so that we can continue to save the lives of animals in need like Bella. We’ll even send your mother a card making her aware of the generous gift made in her honor. Visit www.hsnt.org or call 817-332-HSNTx103 for more information on tribute gifts.