A seven-year-old border collie cross has earned herself a forever home after unexpectedly falling pregnant while in temporary care.

The dog, named Bella, gave birth to seven puppies during her time at a foster home connected to the Dogs Trust Shoreham initiative.

She had been surrendered to the charity’s adoption centre after her previous owner found themselves unable to continue looking after her due to changing life circumstances.

Kirsty Hayward, who oversees the rehoming centre at Dogs Trust Shoreham, said Bella was wonderfully gentle and sociable, rapidly becoming a firm favourite with employees.

Hayward stated that Bella proved extraordinarily capable as a mother, and seeing each puppy move on to their own families was deeply rewarding. She expressed delight that Bella has now discovered her own loving home – a perfect outcome for such a wonderful dog.

During her time in foster care, Bella’s temporary carers noticed alterations in her behaviour around late autumn.

A veterinary check confirmed she was pregnant.

On New Year’s Day, Bella gave birth to seven healthy puppies, who were immediately given names with a celebratory theme: Ano, Asher, Bubbles, Fizz, Novo, Pop and Sylvester.

Staff at Dogs Trust Shoreham called her a devoted mother, caring for her babies as they grew stronger and more confident each day.

Once the puppies were old enough, each one was paired with a new family, and all seven successfully found permanent homes.

Bella’s own happy ending came on February eighteenth when a couple took her home, having fallen deeply in love with her right away.

Sources say she is settling in well and thoroughly enjoying her new life in her permanent home.

Dogs Trust Shoreham invites visitors five days every week, with no appointment necessary to look around, interact with dogs available for adoption, receive advice, or complete rehoming paperwork.

The charity advises visitors that since each dog has their own unique personality, finding the right match may sometimes require time, occasionally spanning several months.

Adoption applications stay valid for three months, and the team works hard to support every applicant in finding their ideal companion, whatever the timeframe.