Merry Christmas Bela: German Shepherd Was Sentenced To Die Over Dead Owner’s Will


A German Shepherd named Bela is having a Merry Christmas already, because he narrowly managed to avoid the fate of being euthanized, cremated, and mixed with the ashes of his dead owner based upon the last will and testament.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, police had Mr. Grinch arrested for attempting to steal Christmas trees, decorations, and presents intended for children.

Before owner Connie Ley died, she left specific instructions on what would be done to her German Shepherd Bela. According to Doug Denmure, the attorney for Ley, the dog was considered the client’s “property” and would be dealt with as part of the estate.

“The dog was owned by my client and now it’s part of her estate,” explained Denmure. “And those are her wishes, as far as the future of the dog is concerned. Outsiders don’t have the grounds to rewrite the provisions of my client’s will and impose what they want…. (Ley) made provisions that in the event of her death, she wanted her very close friend to take charge of the dog. She also then requested that the dog be put to sleep, cremated and that the dog’s ashes be placed with her own ashes.”

german shepherd bela

Denmure said Bela had a history of aggressive behavior, and the 105-pound dog could be “potentially dangerous.” It was feared the German Shepherd could attack strangers, including children. When the owner passed away she was in her own home, and no one could enter the house since they feared Bela would attack.

But the dead owner did leave one stipulation that will allow Bela to have a Merry Christmas. Ley allowed for the German Shepherd to be taken in by the no-kill shelter The Best Friends Animal Society, who have animal behavior specialists who can work with Bela to ensure he “will have every opportunity to enjoy a full and rich life.”

“Merry Christmas Bela! We are thrilled to announce that Bela has been released to Best Friends Animal Society and we are currently arranging his transport to our sanctuary in Kanab, Utah where he will celebrate a warm, happy holiday with lots of treats, toys and love,” said Eric C. Rayvid according to WCPO.

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