In a small English village called Crawley Down, a 12-year-old stray dog had been roaming the streets for years, capturing the hearts of locals who occasionally fed and cared for her. Little did they know, this canine’s journey had begun much earlier and was about to take an unexpected turn.
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It was in November when a volunteer from the nonprofit Lost Dog Recovery UK South received a report about a small black dog wandering near the village. Recognizing the potential danger, they stopped traffic to allow the pup to retreat into the nearby woodland, opting not to pursue her further. Instead, they returned swiftly to leave food and begin their efforts to rescue the elusive animal.
What Volunteers Noticed
Over the following weeks, the volunteers learned from villagers that this Patterdale Terrier, affectionately referred to as the “Crawley Down Dog,” had been a familiar sight for years, with some residents even providing her with occasional meals. Initially, it was assumed that she might be a roaming pet, but the rescue group soon discovered a more complex story.
Deploying a camera and establishing a feeding routine, the volunteers captured footage of the aging dog, her graying eyebrows and muzzle revealing her senior status. Determined to bring her to safety, they set a humane trap, baiting it with a warm roast chicken topped with paté – a temptation too enticing for the discerning stray to resist.
On December 9th, the dog cautiously approached the trap, her hesitant steps belying her wariness. But the irresistible aroma proved too much, and she eventually triggered the trap’s door, securing her rescue after years on the streets.
They Find The Dogs Name From its Microchip
Through her microchip, the rescuers uncovered her name – Rose – and the startling revelation that she had gone missing in March 2017, just 24 hours after being adopted. While the initial sightings had been reported, the trail had gone cold, and Rose had seemingly vanished – until her recent rediscovery in Crawley Down.
Rose’s original owners, whose circumstances had changed, were unable to take her back, but they expressed relief and gratitude that she had been found safe and unharmed after her decade-long odyssey.
Today, Rose is receiving much-needed care at Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, Kent, her long journey finally at an end. Her remarkable story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of our four-legged companions and the power of community efforts to ensure their well-being.
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