Bella's Big Heart: Amelia's Animals, #3

By Rose Waterbrook

Beautiful Bella is the biggest dog that Amelia has ever seen, and now she's staying with them for a few weeks. Bella misses her owner, and Amelia tries hard to help her feel better. When Amelia has a tough time at school, Bella uses her gentle heart to comfort her. When disaster strikes and a young boy falls in a river, retired water rescue dog Bella is there to save the day.

In this book Amelia learns about staying safe near the water, and how important it is to tell someone if you are being bullied at school.

A heart-warming chapter book for children aged 7-10. Perfect for grade 4 to read independently, or to read together with younger children.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Waterbrook
• Release date: Jan 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9781914297168

Book preview

Bella's Big Heart

Amelia's Animals Book 3

Rose Waterbrook

Greatwood Books

Copyright © 2022 by Rose Waterbrook

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1. A Request

2. A Big Surprise

3. Bella Settles In

4. A Bad Day at School

5. Swimming Class

6. The Worst Maths Lesson

7. Adam Remembers

8. Bella Gets a Scare

9. A Picnic by the River

10. Brave Bella

11. Just Rewards

Have you read the first two books?

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Chapter 1

A Request

Sit ... wait ... go! Amelia called out to her little dog, Lucky. She burst into a run, and Lucky ran beside her.

Tunnel! she called out, pointing with her finger, and Lucky ran straight through the bright red tunnel. Weave, weave, weave. Amelia waggled her arm in and out of the poles as Lucky went through. They had both slowed right down, which was good as it meant that Lucky got them all right for once. Amelia had started doing puppy agility lessons once a week. They were doing really well, but Lucky was still too young for jumps or high equipment. At the end of the class, the teacher would let all the dogs run around together. Amelia thought Lucky loved that bit the best. They ran around the side of the field and back towards the tunnel to finish. Lucky thundered straight through and turned to look at Amelia, bright-eyed and with her tongue hanging out.

Good girl, Lucky, well done, Amelia said. She bent down and gave the fluffy dog a huge fuss, and a little treat.

Amelia was spending the day at the animal sanctuary where her mum worked. She loved being there. Amelia and her mother Sally had made friends with their neighbour, Figgy, last Christmas. Figgy hadn’t known it, but her beloved dog Toffee had escaped while being looked after by her nephew when she was travelling. Toffee had been homeless for a while and had a litter of puppies while living in a field. Amelia had found and rescued the puppies and the mother. Figgy had been so grateful that she had given one of the puppies to Amelia. Lucky was now a part of the family, and Amelia couldn’t imagine life without her.

Even more wonderful was that Figgy was starting an animal sanctuary at the Manor House where she lived. She had asked Amelia’s mother if she would come and work for her, helping her to set it up. Sally had agreed, and now Amelia got to spend lots of time at the sanctuary. She helped with the cattery, which was already up and running, and the kennels, which were still being built. It was so exciting to be a part of something right at the beginning.

Figgy had fenced off one of the fields for Amelia so she could practice agility with Lucky. She said it would be perfect for dogs to exercise in when the kennels were open. Today was a lovely summer afternoon, and it was Saturday too, so Amelia had the whole day to please herself.

She’s doing great, Sally called over the field, as she walked over to join them. All this practice is really paying off! This time next year, you will be entering competitions together.

I don’t know about that, but it’s lots of fun, and it keeps Lucky fit, Amelia said.

She’s certainly a lot calmer at home since you started these lessons. I think she needed something extra now that she’s getting older. I brought you some lunch. Sally had brought a picnic basket and a blanket with her. She spread the blanket out on the ground and began unpacking the food.

Get off Lucky, this isn’t for you! Amelia laughed, as Lucky tried to grab a sandwich out of the basket.

Don’t worry, I brought something for you too. Sally brought out a small bag of leftover chicken and a little bowl for Lucky. I can’t believe Lucky is six months old now. Can you remember how small and sad she looked when you first found her?

I know. She’s so happy now, even if she is cheeky! Amelia said.

Lucky finished her chicken and came to sit next to Amelia, who stroked her soft, fluffy head as she ate her sandwich.

They were halfway through their lunch when they saw Figgy making her way over the field to join them. The stout older lady could walk surprisingly fast,