This Shepherd’s Love Will Never Wilt! Are You the Adopter Who Will Help Her Keep Blooming?
“She loves me; she loves me not; she loves me; she loves me n—” … allow us to save you some time: Despite being tethered outdoors 24/7 and massively neglected during her seedling period, PETA’s latest adoptable dog is a lover all the way! Maybe she wears rose-colored glasses; maybe she was just born with a rosy outlook—whatever it is, finally, everything’s coming up rosie for this petal-perfect pup!

For a little more than a year, it wasn’t exactly rosy days ahead for the black-and-tan gal. At less than a year old, Roxy—as the wild flower child was initially named—spent her days and nights tied up outside with just an inadequate carport for shelter. Despite Roxy’s deformed front paw (an apparent birth defect that doesn’t seem to cause her obvious pain but will likely lead to issues with arthritis in her later years) and obvious desire to be someone’s best friend, Roxy’s owner initially refused to part with the deserving dog. But like a thorn in her owner’s side, PETA fieldworkers rooted nonstop for foxy Roxy’s chance at a truly loving family, a cozy home indoors, and—importantly—regular and reliable veterinary care.

In late summer, while canvassing rural northeast North Carolina to ensure that any dogs whose owners refused to bring them indoors—despite the sweltering temperatures—had shade and fresh water, two field team members observed that Roxy was alarmingly thin. (You know it’s bad news when you can count a fluffy shepherd’s ribs from the driveway.) Switching from merely planting a seed to putting the petal to the metal, fieldworkers persuaded Roxy’s owner to finally relinquish custody of the ribby, special-needs dog to PETA.

Once Roxy was in PETA’s care, shelter and veterinary care staff members wasted no time showering her with endless TLC. As soon as not one but two PETA veterinarians had approved the marvelous mutt for foster care, one dog-savvy fieldworker rose to the occasion …

… and promptly renamed the sweet gal Rosie!
Rosie’s Love Will Never Wilt!
Will you be the adopter who ensures this dog’s sweet nature continues to bloom?

In her temporary safe house, Rosie’s sociable personality, which rescue team members knew and loved in the field, has only continued to blossom. Rosie has made it clear that she would prefer not to be a single-stem rose but part of a bouquet—that is, her canine foster siblings bring her much joy. She doesn’t mind her feline foster friends, either, but mostly, Rosie seems keen to make up for lost time with a human guardian who adores her as she always should’ve been adored.

Rosie is a potty-training pro, spayed, roughly 2 years old, 45 lbs., fully vaccinated, and microchipped. Her birth defect means that she’s a dog who may safely enjoy walks or yard time in grass or sand, but she should never be made to traipse across concrete, asphalt, or the equivalent. Rosie will require an adopter who is comfortable with her special needs and is confident in their ability to help her nip any future arthritis or orthopedic issues in the bud.
If you believe your plush, padded pad and grassy backyard are the ideal (East Coast) home for this ideal girl, PETA’s adoption coordinator wants to hear from you! Click below, or e-mail [email protected] to be the reason Rosie’s future will be rooted in love: