Bella the Alsatian who was rescued from drowning in the River Trent has a new home.
She was pulled to safety by walkers after she was spotted in the icy river.
A large rock had been tied around her neck before she was thrown in.
After more than 15 months of care at a vets and RSPCA centre Bella has now been placed with a couple – Maggie Mellish and Charlie Douglas, of South Derbyshire.
The retired pair are a perfect match for Bella, aged 11.
Maggie said: “We have had three Shepherd-type dogs over the last 30 years and really love them.
“We lost our rescue dog Tia/Luna two years ago and my daughter’s dog Flame, this year. We did really miss them.
“Then we saw Bella’s story and the fact she needed a home so my daughter, Clare, encouraged us to apply for her.
Charlie added: “We were horrified by what happened to Bella and when we came to see her, we realised what a great personality she has and she really is perfect
Charlene Latham, 32, formerly of Newark, was sentenced to a 12-month community order last month after she pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bella by trying to drown her.
As well as a 12-month community order she was fined £80, ordered to pay £200 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
She was also disqualified from keeping dogs for three years.
