Rosie, a dog who captured hearts nationwide after being left to die in a hedgerow last Christmas, has now found her forever home and a new canine companion. The dog was believed to be just hours from death near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, when she was discovered at 7:30am on Christmas morning.
Thanks to the alert barking of another dog out for a walk with its owner, the frightened pet was taken to the dog walker’s residence, and an emergency call was made to the RSPCA, who instructed them to rush Rosie to an emergency vet.
Horrifying images revealed Rosie’s skeletal frame, with bones protruding through her skin. Her story went global, prompting an outpouring of support and offers of assistance from around the world.
Now, Rosie is settling into her new life with Emily and Curtis White and their rescue German Shepherd, Queenie, aged 13, in Selby, North Yorks. Emily shared, “Rosie is such a sweetheart – she is so affectionate and loves nothing more than jumping in bed in the morning and giving us kisses.
“She loves snuggling up to Queenie on the sofa. They are great friends and really enjoy each other’s company. It’s a delight to see how happy she is now compared to how she was found.”
Recounting Rosie’s arrival at their home, Emily said: “Rosie came to the house and the first thing she did was jump on the sofa and put her head on a pillow – it was like she was saying ‘this is my spot and I am staying’.
“She hit it off with Queenie and is a really calming influence on her so it was a fantastic friendship from the off – so we immediately adopted her. She loves other dogs and when out walking she will happily greet them but she is still nervous around people which is understandable after how she was found.”
“But we are making progress and she is taking baby steps. She enjoyed a few days at the seaside with us and Queenie recently and she was happy to walk down the main streets full of people.
“She was a little nervous but is getting so much better. She also loves children and loves spending time with my step-daughter, Evie, who is four.”
RSPCA officer Ruth McCabe, animal centre manager at the York branch, added: “It was touch and go whether Rosie would survive but this brave little girl fought hard and came out the other side.
“We knew nothing about her past and she was left quite traumatised by what she had gone through. She had been sprayed with pink and purple antibacterial spray by whoever dumped her in the ditch that night.
“This had stained her fur and there was a serious concern that her infected leg would have to be amputated but fortunately this was not the case.”
“She looks a picture of health and we are delighted she is loving life in a new home – this Christmas Day will certainly be different to last year’s and we are thrilled for her.”
The RSPCA continues their search for the individual responsible for abandoning a dog in dire circumstances. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, James Dack, stressed: “Rosie was extremely fortunate to be discovered as she was found in a quiet country lane and there were very few people around.
“She was hidden from view and if the dog walker’s pet had not sniffed her out I am sure she would not have been found in time. We’re not sure how long she’d been lying there – possibly overnight.
“As well as all her injuries it was extremely cold. She had clearly been dumped and left to die.”
This incident occurs amidst a worrying spike in animal abandonment, hitting a three-year peak. Last year the RSPCA received 20,999 calls regarding dumped animals compared to 16,118 in 2020.