Animal Shelter Society Provides Update on Bellatrix

ZANESVILLE, OH – This week The Animal Shelter Society is taking the time to provide an update on one of their strongest warriors.

A few weeks ago we told you about Bellatrix, a 3-year-old dog who was abandoned in a box for two weeks back in February 2024.

April Gibson, the Executive Director of the Shelter, said after months of working with Bellatrix, they noticed she developed a limp in both of her back legs.

She said after many meetings with the Board of Directors, they decided to give her the best quality of life they could and are moving forward with the surgery.

“It takes a village and that’s what’s been wrapped around Miss Bellatrix,” Gibson said. “What’s difficult is I’ve had some people ask, you know, you’re a 100% non-profit, this is a lot of money to spend on a dog for surgery. The dog kind of picked us, she’s a warrior, and if she wasn’t a fighter we would’ve had to make a different decision. But she’s worth it and the community’s coming together for us.”

Gibson said so far the shelter has raised about $2,000 out of the $5,000 needed for the surgery. In all, Bellatrix will need about 14 weeks of rehabilitation that vet staff at the Shelter will handle.

Gibson also said with all the hustle and bustle happening at the shelter, it’s hard to believe but the second annual Pickleball for Paws Tournament is this weekend.

“Of course, we’re very good planners here, in case there’s rain, it’s not a problem for us, it’s already set. We’ll go back to the Y here across from the Shelter,” Gibson said. “They’re great supporters, so Adam Agin is actually the one that takes care of that. He’s on our Board of Directors, and he’s also the chair of that. Anybody that says Pickleball, you’re going to say Adam Agin, I mean he knows what he’s doing. I handed him the ball, so to speak.”

If you are interested in donating towards Bellatrix’s surgery or for more information on Pickleball for Paws, you can contact the Animal Shelter Society at (740)-452-1077.