Rosie update

What Rosie’s happy ending taught us about working together

When Rosie arrived at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, she barked and snapped whenever anyone tried to touch her head. Rather than assuming this was simply a behavioural problem, the team looked at what might be causing her reaction.

By working together, our veterinary, behaviour and animal care teams discovered that Rosie had painful growths and an ear infection. Being touched around her head was uncomfortable, and she needed treatment alongside behavioural support.

The team adapted Rosie’s care to make things easier for her. Our vets found medication that did not require painful ear drops, her carers changed her harness so it did not need to pass over her head, and the Behaviour team gradually helped her become more comfortable with being touched.

Everything was taken at Rosie’s pace. As her medical problems were treated, she began accepting more contact and enjoying time with the people caring for her.

The video below follows Rosie’s journey through BCDH, from arriving in our care and beginning rehabilitation to moving into foster care and, eventually, finding a permanent home.

See Rosie's journey here.

Rosie is now settled in her new home, where her adopters tell us she is very sociable and loves playing with other dogs.

Her story shows why looking at the whole animal matters. Veterinary treatment, behaviour support, day-to-day care, fostering and rehoming all played a part in helping Rosie move on to life in her new home.