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Emaciated Dog Locked In Crate During Frigid Weather Gets Christmas Miracle

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on December 30, 2021

WARNING: Content may be sensitive to some readers.

Rosabella never imagined that she’d be in a loving home, but her story is proof that dreams come true. The young Pit Bull mix spent the holidays on the verge of death. A heartless human had locked her in a crate with no blankets and left her alone in below-freezing weather.

If Ruff Start Rescue in Minnesota hadn’t come to save her, Rosabella would’ve passed away without knowing what love is like. Thanks to the kindness of volunteers, she’s becoming stronger and more loving every day.

Emaciated dog in crate
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Discarded Like Garbage

Photos from the day the rescue found Rosabella are heartbreaking. The poor pup is just skin and bones, and she was alone when the weather was four degrees Fahrenheit. She only weighed 19 pounds, but she should’ve been closer to 45 pounds. When Breanna Jensen saw Rosabella’s photos, she knew she had to foster the sweet canine.

“If she hadn’t been found that day, she would have died,” said Jensen. “She was discarded like garbage. She was surrounded by garbage bags. Obviously, she was emaciated and dehydrated and just on her last leg, honestly.”

Malnourished Dog Rescued
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Jensen normally fosters the dogs with extreme medical cases. She has cared for dogs with amputations, mange, and even porcupine quills. But she’s never cared for a dog quite like Rosabella.

Rosabella is currently on a special diet where she eats several small meals throughout the day to help her gain weight. Of course, the love and warmth of her foster home also go a long way.

Malnourished Dog Riding in Car
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Rosabella Deserves Love!

In only two weeks, Rosabella gained 10 pounds. She’s also becoming more playful and lively, especially around the other dogs in her foster home. Volunteers are calling her a “Christmas miracle!”

“She’s playful and she’s fun. She likes to run around the yard. She’s getting along really well with our other dogs. She is just the sweetest little girl in the whole world,” said Jensen. “Our little Christmas miracle.”

Neglected Pit Bull with Foster Mom
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The rescue has been posting updates about Rosabella’s journey. The sweet little pup seems happier in every photo. She has the cutest little Pit Bull smile, and she often wears adorable sweaters to keep her frail body warm. This brave dog refused to let her hardships hold her back.

It’s unclear when Rosabella will be ready for a forever home, but right now, her loving foster parents will keep focusing on her healing process. She can tell she’s in a safe and loving place now, but she still needs lots of time and patience to make a full recovery.

Smiling Pit Bull Wearing Sweater
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H/T: minnesota.cbslocal.com
Featured Image: Facebook

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