Rose has a big tale to tell – after being rescued by the RSPCA in poor health she is now loving life in her new home.
When rescued, Rottweiler Rose was found by an RSPCA Inspector with a prolapse, was severely underweight and had a serious, untreated skin condition.
Her fur was missing in patches and the inside of her ears were uncomfortable and thickened. Her owner signed Rose over to the RSPCA’s care.
Rose spent several weeks at Finsbury Park Hospital, having two prolapse operations (the first unfortunately failed) and treatment for her skin.
It was thought she had litters of puppies as her teats were very large and her skin condition had caused thickening of her skin in places, including inside her ears, with hair loss on her back, paws and shirt front.
Michelle first saw Rose in a Facebook post – originally posted by Finsbury Park Animal Hospital in London – after a group of youths had decided to attack the hospital with fireworks.
The post showed her photos and mentioned she was scared and was moved to the back of the building.
“I felt so sorry for Rose and cross that she had been so scared. At the time, I wasn’t sure I wanted to rescue another female Rottweiler, as my previous rescue had been with me for 12 years and only died a year before,” said Michelle, a charity worker from Brighton.
“I enquired further about Rose and as soon as I found out her history and how fond the hospital were of her, I just wanted to meet her.”
As Rose gained weight and was well enough to be moved, a volunteer drove her to RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey and Michelle travelled to meet her a few days later.
“When I met her, she was instantly loveable,” said Michelle, aged 45. “Despite the neglect, she wagged her tail at everyone and was so gentle.
“She had attached herself to the staff at the centre, who were all fond of her (as they were at the hospital!) and so she was a little anxious to walk with me initially – and seemed to prefer my dad!
“A week later, I was able to return to Millbrook with my parent’s dog, so they could meet. They got on fine and so Rose came home that afternoon.”
It didn’t take long for Rose to settle into her new environment.
“She didn’t hesitate to investigate – as soon as I opened the door she had her nose into everything,” said Michelle. “She jumped onto my bed and had a good roll around, before settling down on the sofa with me. After a quick snooze, she came to cuddle up alongside me and went off to sleep again.
“She needs a little reassurance now and again from me and my partner, but loves people and a cuddle. Even when I’m working, she has to be near me.”
Rose still needs a little extra TLC in her new home. Michelle explained that she has a grain-free diet due to the unknown reason that she had lost so much fur and had bad ears – which she needs cleaning regularly too.
But Michelle explained that her extra needs don’t faze either of them and has become a part of everyday life.
“Rose still needs treatment for her skin and ears but, given the terrible condition she was in, she has been very lucky,” she said. “Of course, I am very lucky to have her and she, obviously, has a home for life!
“Ever since learning how many rescue dogs are in need of homes each year, I’ve always adopted and Rose is the third Rottweiler that I’ve rescued.
“There are so many rescued pets in the care of the RSPCA desperately awaiting forever homes, who may have additional care needs – whether medical or behavioural due to the challenges they have survived – but with time, understanding and patience – adopters should be rest assured that the love that you receive in return is completely worth it. They change your life and you change theirs.
“I’m so glad the RSPCA were called and rescued Rose – I can’t bear to think what the outcome would have been for her otherwise.”
Michelle rescued her first dog and after being introduced to a Rottie some years ago whilst working in a temporary kennel role at the Dog Trust she has loved the breed.
“When I worked at the kennels they had a Rottie there, called Kirsty. Initially, I was a little nervous of meeting her in the kennel – not that I had real reason to be as I’d never met a Rottie before.
“I soon realised it was only the perception of the breed from the press that made me believe they were ‘scary’ dogs.
“Kirsty was there through no fault of her own, and took any opportunity to snuggle up. After a few weeks, she became a firm favourite so she came home with me.
“From there, I was stuck on the breed and their goofy and affectionate ways.
Sadly, she died after two short years of a very aggressive bone tumour. She left a giant hole, but she had spent that time taking her pick of her own chair or the sofa, and being generally spoiled. For me, it was a lesson to never judge by looks!
“A short while after, a young puppy came into RSPCA care called Ruby. She was with me until she was 12.5 years old. Again, another huge hole left, and now we have Rose.”
