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KANAB — A German shepherd, that made national headlines because of the unique circumstances surrounding his owner’s will, died Sunday.
Connie Ley of Aurora, Indiana, died Nov. 25 and in her will stipulated that her dog, Bela, should either go to the Best Friends Animal Society or be euthanized, cremated and mixed with her ashes, according to the Associated Press. The will also stipulated that the decision be made by Ley’s close friend.
Ley had felt that Bela displayed aggressive tendencies and the German shepherd was on medication to control his aggressiveness, the AP said. After the issue made national headlines, a decision was made and during Christmas, Bela was transported to Best Friends Animal Society by employee John Garcia.
Employees at the sanctuary said since Bela’s arrival, he started wagging his tail more often and they were working with him on his behavioral issues. However, Sunday morning, Bela’s caregiver noticed that his abdomen was distended and he was breathing rapidly, according to the Best Friends Animal Society website. Bela was taken to the Best Friends clinic and was diagnosed with a fast-growing cancer.
Bela was euthanized Sunday and will be cremated so the ashes can be sent to be buried with his owner in Indiana, the Best Friends website said.
“Bela was a great dog who made many friends and was quickly becoming one of the most popular dogs at the Sanctuary,” Best Friends Animal Society said in a statement. “Our staff had grown to love him as the sweet and wonderful dog he was, and every one of us who knew him is devastated by this turn of events.”
Ley's will left 40 percent of her estate to the sanctuary, the AP said.
