
06/22/2025
In Loving Memory of Bella š¾
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bella, the beloved black lab who helped launch Lost Pet Tracking Dogs (LPTD) nearly 15 years ago. Bella wasnāt just any dogāshe was one of the very first two K9s trained and deployed by my sister, Lisa Nazarenko, whose own experience of losing her dog Cappuccino inspired her to start this life-changing mission.
Through Bellaās incredible nose and boundless heart, hundreds of lost petsādogs, cats, and even the most unexpected of family membersāwere found and reunited with their families. Bella was trained not only in live scent tracking but also in decomp scent (tracking deceased pets), a job she approached with immense sensitivity. When alerting on a sad find, her compassion was obvious. Bella felt the weight of those moments, just as she shared in the joy of every happy reunion.
When she wasnāt working, Bella was pure joyāa sweet, gentle soul who loved water more than anything. Summers meant gleeful bounces in her own kiddie pool, living her best life as only a lab can.
Bellaās legacy is woven throughout Maine. From local animal control officers and state troopers to rescue groups, non-profits, and pet families across the state, so many mourn the loss of this remarkable K9. Her pawprints are forever on the hearts of those she helped.
As LPTD continues its mission to bring pets home, Bellaās spirit and service will always be part of the work. She will be missed dearly and remembered always. šš¾