On a bitter December day in Minnesota, a small dog named Rosabella huddled in a flimsy wire crate, trying to shield herself from the freezing wind.
She weighed just 19 pounds — less than half of what a healthy pup her size should. Without help, she wouldn’t have lasted much longer.
Luckily, a rescue volunteer spotted her in time. They rushed her out of the alley and into warmth, where Rosabella’s long road to recovery could finally begin.
“She was extremely loving and grateful to be warm,” said Kelli Hanson, marketing and communications director of Ruff Start Rescue. “We don’t know how long she was out there, but thankfully she was found quickly.”
Rosabella received the care she needed — nourishing food, medical attention, and, most importantly, safety. And soon, her story touched the heart of a woman who saw her on the news and felt instantly connected.
“After seeing her sad story, I knew I had to reach out,” Rosabella’s new mom shared. “Luckily, I was chosen to adopt her.”
Introduced to her new dog sister, Lucy, Rosabella fit right in. The once-neglected pup began to blossom, showing curiosity, joy, and boundless affection.
“Lucy and I fell in love with her right away,” her mom said. “She follows us everywhere. She’s healthy, active, and just the sweetest girl.”
Now, instead of fighting to survive in the cold, Rosabella spends her days walking through her neighborhood, playing with Lucy, and curling up for cozy naps. Her past remains a mystery, but her future is filled with love.
“She has such a sweet spirit, which is amazing considering what she went through,” her mom said. “Now she finally has the love she deserves.”
Rosabella’s story is proof of what rescue can do: turning heartbreak into hope, and giving a once-forgotten pup the life she was always meant to have.
To help more dogs like Rosabella, you can foster, donate, or adopt through Ruff Start Rescue.
