She is a rescue. I am certain she was trained as coyote dog, and in fact, was found in coyote trap. She had 7 fosters and homes before we took her. No one could handle her. I walked by her on the way into a pet store, and she was just laying there ignoring everyone. When I walked by she jumped up and nearly knocked me over. I tried to ignore her, and even told the fosters to give me a few days to think about it. I relented and agreed to foster her and work with her to calm her down.
Ah shit, another foster failure, we called the next day and told them to bring the adoption papers. At time I had a very loyal service dog, but aging, and I was worried they would not get on...they did like thieves, and in fact, when my Millie passed, Bella stepped right up to the plate.
Within a week I was letting her run, and she was coming to my call, whistle and responding to my hand cues. She will heel on the leash or off. When the adoption folks did a check up they were stunned, and one of them said, "she comes back to you, really?" As if that was something others had tried and failed at.
Knowing how to handle a field dog is a rare art in Utah, I reckon, except among a very few. In the South it is bred into us, and we never forget it, just like we never forget the taste of good shine or Bourbon.
Anyway, she is my faithful friend and companion and we look after each other.