At the end of November, Lost Dog Rescovery UK South got a call about a little black dog that had been spotted running free in Sussex.
Knowing how important it was not to startle the dog, the driver let it run back into the woodland, and then called for help. While it was possible that the dog was an owned dog, allowed to roam free, the rescue team decided to investigate further.
They couldn't believe their ears when local residents told them the dog had been straying there for "about ten years"!
An urgent rescue
The Lost Dog team immediately got to work, preparing a feeding schedule and arranging for a trap cage to be brought in when the time was right.
After a few walk-by visits, the curious canine couldn't resist the temptation of a huge roast chicken feast. Once trapped in the cage, the team could bring her to safety.
Finally safe
The terrified little Terrier was frightened but gentle. Within hours she was settled in the warmth of a kennel, and work began to track down her family.
With the history provided by local residents, it seemed like an impossible task. But, to the team's disbelief, a microchip was found!
The little dog was actually named Rose, and she had gone missing just 6 miles from the woods she was found in, 24 hours after being adopted in March 2017. This meant she had been living wild for an incredible 6 years, fending for herself and surviving on food left out for the wildlife.
Sadly, for reasons beyond their control, a reunion with Rose's original family will not be possible. Instead, this brave little dog will be rehabilitated and re-homed by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge. The lucky pup has already had a number of requests from prospective fosterers and adopters, so it shouldn't be long until she is safe and sound in her new home.
