Bella (Aust CH Letchworth Bellezza)
Click here to view Bella's Pedigree
Aust CH Letchworth Bellezza (Bella) 28 June 1999 to 16 January 2012. Bella was a striking, classically built and gaited Collie Rough who retained all the qualities of a 'working dog', which of course the Collie Rough is. Bella's intelligence, temperament and gait (added by a hip-score of zero!), made her an outstanding example of this breed's origins as a herding dog in Scotland in the 1800s.
Bred by Letchworth Collies, Bella started her show ring career in early 2000. At the very tender age of nearly 16 months, Bella earned her final points towards the the title of Australian Champion on 21 October 2000. Bella was awarded six Best of Breeds at Championship Shows in Queensland and New South Wales during the short campaign for her Championship.
After having had her only litter in early 2001 (with Hamish), Bella had a good rest from the showring, and let two of her first litter represent her! Those of her pups who were occasional show ring performers are Carla , Benny and and Utah. Carla and Utah are both Aust Ch. Carla predeceased Bella but Utah and Benny, particluarly Benny weev her mates to the end of her days.
Bella suffered a severe spinal injury in June 2003 which left her paralysed from the chest down. However with patient physiotherapy and her strong life force she regained the ability to walk and run, but her remaining injury meant her show days were over. Something that dadl not worry her as she loved being home ruling Balinfern where she was always TOP DOG from the day she joined us!
Bella was a remarkable mother and made ours and her pups lives a real pleasure. With the birth of Buffy's pups in June 2003, Bella in spite of her movement difficulties, the result of her spinal injury, took on a willing surrogate mother role with Buffy's litter and she just loved it! The same scenario happened in May 2007 with the birth of her daughter Carla's pups! The maternal instinct in her was very strong.
Bella constantly discovered new 'toys', and invented games which she encouraged the others collies (and our cats!) to join her in. She passed this endearing behaviour on to her children and grandchildren! Bella and her son Benny led the other collies in guarding Balinfern and all within from perceived threats! She was happy to spend her days in retirement with her children and her grandchildren Fergus and Ally!