Former DuPage County K-9 Deputy Bella Crosses Rainbow Bridge

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — The DuPage County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Bella, a former K-9 deputy who died Tuesday after a lengthy illness. Bella, a 12-year-old bloodhound, had retired in April and was replaced by Deputy K-9 Hope.

Deputy Laura Richardson, who was Bella's partner, said in a statement, "She was an incredible dog who was a gentle giant. I could not have asked for a better partner. She loved interacting with the kids and was always ready to go when it was time to do a track.”

Bella served as a K-9 deputy with the DuPage County Sheriff's Office for 10 and 1/2 years. During that time, she was instrumental in "finding hundreds of missing people and countless suspects," DuPage County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Richardson added, "I’m just happy she is no longer in pain and pray that she will watch over me and K-9 Hope as Hope gets closer to starting her career."