Bella was a Doberman that had been bought by Steve and Marcy Rhoades in response to a series of robberies. He was named after New York feminist politician Bella Abzug (though was unwilling to wear the hat).
History[]
Bella was notable for not being a very quiet animal, spending a large amount of time barking loud enough to irritate the whole neighborhood, as well as being very hungry. The kibble Steve and Marcy had bought was not enough to satisfy him so he resorted to eating the neighbor's cat and a piece of the Bundy's fence instead. He did not accept Steve and Marcy as his rightful owners even two weeks after they got him, attacking them time and again so that they had to buy protective gear for their arms.
Death[]
In the middle of the night, sometime later, Al thought he had heard a burglar and loaded his gun before going outside to investigate. When Al saw a movement by the bushes, he fired his gun, not realizing it was Bella in the middle of a bowel movement and wearing a hat. Distraught over this, Marcy informs Al that the two families are now merely neighbors in name, and storms off with Steve following her.
The next day, after Al sends Bella's body to the land-fill to be buried, Steve comes over to smooth things out and also asks for Bella so that the dog could be given a proper burial. To cover up the discrepancy, Al tells him that since he was at fault, he wants to make it up to Steve and Marcy by offering to handle the funeral arrangements. Steve gladly accepts the offer and asks if Al could put Bella's favorite chew bone inside his coffin. Al agree, before quickly tossing it in the wastebasket and then sends Peggy off to fill a chest with enough weight to make Steve and Marcy believe Bella is inside it.
Bella's funeral was attended by the members of the Neighborhood Watch. They hummed "Amazing Grace" as Al and Peggy put the chest into the grave in the Rhoades' backyard. Realizing Peg had put his bowling ball in the chest, he started crying. Steve, believing Al was feeling guilty for killing Bella, comforted him.
In "Where's the Boss?", after Al quits his job at Gary's Shoes & Accessories for Today's Woman, Steve decides to mock Al. After a few insults, Al asks Steve if he is enjoying himself, to which he responds, "Remember what you did to my dog, Al?". Al quickly nods his head and acknowledges what happened, before letting Steve continue on with his mockery.
Appearances[]
- Season 1
- But I Didn't Shoot the Deputy (mentioned)
- Where's the Boss? (mentioned)