It's been 3 years since I posted at this forum... Bella was just a puppy (see my avatar). Life got busy and I lost track of these forums. I never thought I'd be back and posting in this particular one ... Not just 3 yrs later.

My husband and Bella, along with my brother-in-law, father-in-law and their dogs, were out hunting grouse on a public trail in central Minnesota just before New Years. They were making their way back when, up ahead and just off the trail, Bella yelped. My husband and BIL were there within seconds to find my girl, her neck clamped in a trapper's conibear killer trap. They tried so hard to free her. Tim says she lost consciousness within 30 seconds. Between the two of them they could not get that thing off of her for 5 minutes. They tried CPR but she was gone. My beautiful girl.

I implore you, if you are a hunter and don't know how to open a conibear trap as quickly as possible, learn. Even with the knowledge of how to do it, releasing the grips of the 2 steel clamps from these kind of traps with a flailing and panicking dog takes too much time. Check your state trapping laws regarding conibear traps - only half of the states in the USA have regulations in place (regarding placing these traps at a height where dogs cannot reach them) to protect our furry friends, not to forget our own human children.

The trap was on the ground, baited with chicken, and only 100 feet from the public hunting trail. This is perfectly legal in the state of MN.

It's been just one week without our Bella. The house is too quiet. My sons are without their best friend....and so am I. We love you sweet girl. You are gone too soon.

__________________
~Kristy~



Waiting at the Bridge
Mali 08/04/93 - 02/16/09
Bella 11/06/09 - 12/30/12

How horrific, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl

I am SO sorry to read this! This is so horrible I couldn't even type at first. My heart goes out to your family. Run free sweet Bella ♥

__________________

I don't know what to say other than...I am so, so sorry for your loss of Bella in such an unforgiveable way. ((((HUGS)))) Vicki

That's absolutely terrible.. I am so sorry for your loss..

__________________

Oh what a senseless and devastating loss. And how traumatic for those who watched her die.

I'm so, so sorry.

__________________
Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

I too am having difficulty finding the words to say. My heart goes out to you, I am so very sorry.

Godspeed sweet Bella.

How terrible you must be completely heartbroken so very sorry for your loss of Bella. She'll always be watching over you.

__________________



19/10/08-7/1/12 Daisy's Story http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...evastated.html

I'm sick to my stomach reading this. I am so so sorry for your loss!!!

__________________

I am so sorry....