Today we went by one of our natural swimming holes a little ways from our house, bringing Bella along so she could get out of the house with us. Being today that it was hot, quite a lot of families were at the swimming hole as well. We set down our blanket sort of behind a large boulder away from a family nearby with young children because Bella is so friendly and will jump and try to give you all her love (lol), therefor she could potentially knock a small kid down. So anyways, we let Bella go and she walked around a bit and flopped next to a small stream connecting to the hole. About 15-20 min later I was reading my book when I heard small kids laughing and Bella make a sharp yelping sound. I looked over and saw some young foreign kids that were next to us throwing rocks at her so I started to yell and make my way toward them. All of the sudden Bella, who was defending herself, nipped a boy who was in her face on the leg (it did not draw blood). He started to cry and so did the other young kids who were with him, out of what I think was fear. I picked Bella up and told them "I am so sorry but you can't throw stuff at her she has feelings too. That's wrong so don't do that again." I was deeply aggravated at them but was calm since they were small. Well, that made them carry on louder, and the mom came over with a glare on her face. She started screaming at me and Bella in Spanish and I couldn't understand it. We were drawing attention, so I set Bella down and walked away to our picnic spot where the rest of my unaware family was located. Bella fell back behind me and went to go greet the angry lady who was collecting her kids. I looked back and called for her, when the woman who obviously disliked Bella by that point picked her up by her paw and swung her into the deep and dark area of the swimming hole. Before I could say anything they picked up their chairs and left. I bolted over to the hole and grabbed her collar leading her to the somewhat steep edge where she raised herself up. Bella can't swim well and easily gets water in her snout, so I knew she shouldn't be in that deep of water. All around us people were yelling and one woman ran up to me and said "Are you two alright?". I nodded, and went over and told my parents and sister what happened and that I wanted to leave. They understood and we left. Bella is gonna get some extra snuggles and treats tonight, but for now, she is shaken up and very tired.

I can't believe what happened as I play it over in my head and I never want to go back to that place again. I am furious at those people and wish I could tell them that that was extremely wrong and they can get in trouble with the police for doing that. Doesn't improper handling of animals count as animal abuse? I think it was defiantly a bad day for me and Bella, and we will just stick to our own pool for the rest of the summer.