Bella's Story

Bella was my beloved companion and she brought joy to my life and everyone around her. I rescued Bella when she was a puppy, and her personality was enormous. She was an old soul loved by so many people.

In 2004, when Bella was only 10 years old, she injured her knee chasing a squirrel and needed surgery to repair her cruciate ligament. After the surgery she developed MRSA, a type of bacteria that is resistant to widely used antibiotics. If the infection had been diagnosed earlier, like many animals Bella would have survived.

Bella was the first dog ever publicly recorded to have died from the human form of MRSA. The full story is long but available to those who want to read it. After Bella died I noticed pus coming out of my foot, it was swollen. I visited my doctor, and he left the room and came back wearing a mask. I knew then that through a cut in my foot I had contracted MRSA. Bacterial reports confirmed it was the same strain EMRSA 15 that Bella had acquired post-surgery. There was only one antibiotic available for my infection and I nearly lost my leg.

I was heartbroken and angry that both of us had acquired an infection which could have been prevented with better hygiene. At the time I was an actress working in film and I could not work. I did not want Bella’s death to be in vain. I set up a website to tell people about my experience. Immediately doctors, vets, pet owners, farmers and the media were contacting me daily, wanting to know more about my story and how MRSA transmitted from humans to animals. Overcome with grief, I knew I had a new purpose in setting up a charity to help people and pets all over the world.

I worked tirelessly facilitating conferences with government, scientists, and researchers for international veterinary and medical organisations, to raise the profile of multi-antibiotic-resistant infections. This provided the platform for the Bella Moss Foundation to become a registered charity in 2009. I am so proud of the work that we do, but this work would not be possible without so many organisations collaborating with us who are also concerned with animal welfare.

Today after the pandemic, hygiene is more important than ever, not just diligent hygiene but safe use of antibiotics. The Bella Moss Foundation is here to ensure that what happened to Bella, and I, will never happen to another animal or pet owner. Not a day goes by when I do not think about Bella, being part of the Bella Moss Foundation brings me a sense of satisfaction that what happened to us is making a difference, and Bella has a legacy that has gone on to help thousands of animals in her name.

On 23rd August 2004 I kissed my beautiful Bella as she took her last breath, she looked into my eyes, and I whispered YOUR DEATH AND SUFFERING WILL NOT BE IN VAIN.

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What the Bella Moss Foundation does today:
The BMF works to educate the general public and veterinary profession to ensure the charity born in Bella's memory grows into a thriving force protecting and supporting people and animals with serious infections.