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Battersea star Bella dies aged 15
Missy and bella
Missy and Bella

Elderly star of Battersea's ITV show dies 50 weeks after being rehomed

A canine star of ITV's Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs has died aged 15, exactly 50 weeks after she was re-homed.

Last year, the Staffordshire bull terrier was taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home along with her nine-year-old daughter Missy after their owner became too ill to care for them.

The pair had such a close bond they could not bear to be parted and had to be rehomed together.

After appearing on the TV show in May last year, they found a new home in Scotland.

Sadly Bella was diagnosed with spondylitis, a painful condition that made it difficult for her to walk. Despite treatment, her condition got progressively worse and her owner Arlene had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to her.

In a heartfelt tribute to Bella, Arlene said: "I only wish I had Bella all her life. It makes me sad to not know how her life was before and I hope she was happy there.

"I know she was happy here with us and we were very happy to have her. She was such a nosey character, into everything and always at my feet, following me from room to room.

"Lately when I went out she would lie with her nose on my slippers waiting for me to come home. We will miss her sorely as she got right into our hearts from the minute we got her home, and will always stay there."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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