13 December 2023 , 23:01
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A plucky dog missing for more than six years is now looking a new home after she was discovered living in a woodland.
Rosie, a small black terrier, survived by eating food left out for badgers, and was known as the local stray.
She was eventually found thanks to a stakeout by a rescue team at Crawley Downs woods, in Horley, Surrey.
Suspicions were raised by a passerby when they noticed the dog suddenly dart into the bushes after walking along the side of the road. Shortly after they rang Lost Dog Recovery UK South, a nonprofit community interest company.
The plucky dog survived in the woods in Sussex by eating food left out for badgers (Lost Dog Recovery UK South)Heather, a volunteer at the group, told Sussex Live: "It was quite amazing really, Rosie was a stray for six and a half years we believe. Her family lost her in March 2017, and shared flyers and Facebook appeals. Soon, they just became another family who lost their dog that didn't come back."
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Rosie was originally a rescue dog but ran away from her family after 24 hours, which Heather said was likely because she was frightened. After getting the call on her whereabouts, Heather and the rest of the team set up hidden cameras to figure out what Rosie's feeding times and habits were.
She was eventually taken to safety by volunteers after she was lured into a cage with chicken treats (Lost Dog Recovery UK South)"Those who lived nearby suggested she was cared for, in a way that she had been eating food left out by neighbours for wildlife. Some had even spotted her, but didn't report it," she said said.
On Saturday, December 9, the volunteers set an irresistable trap with cooked chicken at the back in the area Rosie had been spotted. They then waited in a van nearby and ordered pizza to keep them going, as Ring cameras were being set off by Rosie dipping in and out of vision timidly from between 5pm and 7pm.
Once she was secure in the trap and the cage door was shut, Rosie was whisked away for vet checks. Heather said: "She is shell-shocked, and will be for a little while. Rosie is in good condition considering she has been fending for herself."
Sadly, due to a change in circumstances, Rosie's family won't be able to take her back, so she will be going into rescue once again. However, they have been contacted and are said to be delighted that she has been found safe and well.
Appealing for a new owner, Heather said it would be "lovely" for Rosie to be "warm by the fireplace this winter" and for her senior years. "No elderly dog wants to fend for itself and search for water in the summer and warmth in the winter", she added.