Injured dog found near Highway 4 in Brentwood reunited with family after escaping boarding facility

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Thursday, January 7, 2016
Bella the Australian shepherd was reunited with her family Wednesday, January 6, 2015 at Contra Costa Animal Services in Martinez, Calif.
Bella the Australian shepherd was reunited with her family Wednesday, January 6, 2015 at Contra Costa Animal Services in Martinez, Calif.
kgo-Photo submitted to KGO-TV by Contra Costa Animal Services

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- An injured Australian shepherd that was found on Highway 4 in Brentwood Saturday had escaped from Derty Dogs Fitness, a boarding facility in Brentwood Christmas Eve, authorities said.

A worker allegedly left "Bella's" kennel open and the dog escaped and ran out a sliding door and then hopped a fence, according to Steve Burdo, a spokesperson with the Contra Costa County Animal Services.

A driver then found the dog Saturday and turned her into Contra Costa County Animal Services.

The agency said initially that the one-year-old dog either jumped from the Highway 4 overpass, or someone threw her. It's now unclear how the dog got her injuries and what adventures she went on after escaping.

The boarding facility contacted Bella's owner Christmas Day and eventually reported Bella lost to Fido Alert days later. She was never reported lost to Contra Costa County Animal Control.

ABC7 News talked with Derty Dog's owner. He claims Bella was aggressive and wouldn't come out of her kennel so he left the door open and that's when she escaped

Bella received treatment for a fractured femur and dislocated wrist. The woman who initially found Bella and had hoped to adopt her has updated a GoFundMe page she started saying she's glad Bella has been reunited with her owner. The $2,500 she raised will be turned over to Animal Services or Bella's owner.

The Mun family was reunited with Bella Wednesday and they issued a statement: "Thanks to the Contra Costa County Animal Shelter and to the media for what they have done to bring "Bella" home where she belongs. We are looking forward to "Bella's" full recovery and any help from the community will be fully appreciated in helping us get the medical attention "Bella" needs," the Mun family said.