Dog lost in Crystal River reunited, after 17 days, with her family in South Florida
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Crystal River, Florida - On February 28, 2025, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office shared a story - with a happy ending - about a couple from south Florida who lost their dog Bella during a trip to Crystal River.
Earlier in the month, the couple took a trip to Crystal River, with Bella. One afternoon, the couple went on an outing, leaving Bella behind in the motel room. Bella, who is not a fan of being away from her parents, pawed and scratched at the door until she was able to let herself out.
When the couple returned to their room a short time later, they stated searching for Bella, going door-to door in the area for the next two days, asking if anyone had seen Bella. The couple also initiated postings on local social media sites, with a photo of Bella (see above right photo), her microchip number, and a description of Bella as a tan 40 pound female dog, last seen on February 9, 2025 at the Econo Lodge Motel, located at 2575 North U.S. Highway 19 in Crystal River. Unfortunately, Bella was not found, and herr parents returned home.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and the couple received a call from a resident of the Sweet Citrus Acres R.V. Park, stating they may have spotted Bella. The R.V. park, located at 3995 N. Turkey Oak Dr. in Crystal River, is located approximately 0.9 miles from the motel where Bella had gone missing.
Bella's Dad made the three and a half-hour drive to Crystal River and began a foot search in the wooded area near the R.V. park where Bella had possibly been spotted. When Bella proved uncooperative as being rescued, Citrus County Animal Control officers volunteered to catch Bella. Lo and behold, 17 days after she'd gone missing, Bella was returned to her Dad!
Bella, now reunited with her family, is enjoying the perks of being back at home.
Earlier in the month, the couple took a trip to Crystal River, with Bella. One afternoon, the couple went on an outing, leaving Bella behind in the motel room. Bella, who is not a fan of being away from her parents, pawed and scratched at the door until she was able to let herself out.
When the couple returned to their room a short time later, they stated searching for Bella, going door-to door in the area for the next two days, asking if anyone had seen Bella. The couple also initiated postings on local social media sites, with a photo of Bella (see above right photo), her microchip number, and a description of Bella as a tan 40 pound female dog, last seen on February 9, 2025 at the Econo Lodge Motel, located at 2575 North U.S. Highway 19 in Crystal River. Unfortunately, Bella was not found, and herr parents returned home.
Fast forward a couple of weeks, and the couple received a call from a resident of the Sweet Citrus Acres R.V. Park, stating they may have spotted Bella. The R.V. park, located at 3995 N. Turkey Oak Dr. in Crystal River, is located approximately 0.9 miles from the motel where Bella had gone missing.
Bella's Dad made the three and a half-hour drive to Crystal River and began a foot search in the wooded area near the R.V. park where Bella had possibly been spotted. When Bella proved uncooperative as being rescued, Citrus County Animal Control officers volunteered to catch Bella. Lo and behold, 17 days after she'd gone missing, Bella was returned to her Dad!
Bella, now reunited with her family, is enjoying the perks of being back at home.