A COUPLE which persevered with a deeply traumatised rescue dog through many challenges, has been praised by vets.

Tony and Sharon Daniels, from Middlesbrough, adopted four-year-old Rosie the Beagle in August, after she experienced a sorry start in life.

By the time Rosie was adopted she had already been in and out of the Dog’s Trust several times. Rosie was born in Ireland, but little else is known about her history.

Mr Daniels said: "As Rosie is a beautiful dog and still in the prime of life, she had many admirers at the shelter, and the families who offered her a home with them tried their very best with her, but Rosie failed to settle with her new families. Her lack of confidence and her deep-seated fear of people – even those who were trying to help her – meant that she was brought back to Dog’s Trust time and time again.

"When we took her on we knew it was not going to be straightforward. Before long Rosie had bitten both my wife and sister. We were all very concerned and I did suggest we had maybe made a mistake with Rosie, but my wife insisted we keep her and that we should persevere. Rosie showed aggression towards me too, and we were at a loss in terms of what to do."

Veterinary nurse Jenny Taylor, from White Cross Vets in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, said: "“Our first meeting with Rosie was in the carpark of our veterinary practice as she wouldn’t get out of the car. To be more accurate, we looked in the car window while Rosie barked up a storm.

"Rosie’s fear and aggression at the time was so strong she totally resisted examination of any kind. She disliked meeting new people and showed her displeasure by barking, snapping and avoiding them."

The vet practice suggested the couple brought Rosie to its weekly Confidence Clinic to get her used to visiting the vet without the stress of an examination.

Ms Taylor added: "With a great deal of love, care and patience, we slowly worked to change Rosie’s perception of people and the vets.

"She is wagging her tail and happy to engage with everyone, like a normal Beagle would.

"Gone is the low hanging tail, the snapping and stand-offish behaviour of the past - Rosie has finally learned to trust and love."

Mr Daniels said: “We really cannot believe the change in Rosie."