Star of Fur Babies brings joy in new home

“I’d vowed not to get another dog but I think Rosie found me, rather than the other way around,” reveals Karen Kulas.

Left “heartbroken” after the loss of her beloved rescue dog Barney, Karen had been determined not to fall in love with another pet.

"After Barney died at home from a horrible brain tumour, I was determined I wasn’t going to get another dog because it was so heartbreaking and he was so beautiful,” says Karen.

But Rosie’s quiet character and similarity to fox terrier cross Barney worked some magic.

The three-year-old jack russell cross fox terrier had been found confused and straying the streets in Woking, Surrey.

She was withdrawn and attempts to find her owner proved unsuccessful.

When Blue Cross vets checked Rosie over, they discovered she was pregnant.

Just a few weeks later, the new mum gave birth to six puppies at our Burford rehoming centre.

And after being a wonderful mum to her new pups, it was time for Rosie to find her own forever home.

“My house feels as if it should have a dog,” admits Karen, who came to meet Rosie after being shown her photo by a family member. 

“She looked so lovely and could’ve been a sister or cousin of Barney’s. I was very tempted to see her, even though I’d vowed not to get another dog.”

Karen’s brothers took her to see Rosie in Burford and, despite her reservations, the two immediately made a connection.

“She had been very withdrawn but, as soon as we called her, she came straight over,” explains Karen.

“I think she found us, rather than us finding her. We arranged to go back up the following week and brought her back with us.”

Rosie’s story is shared on Channel 4’s Fur Babies programme, produced by Wonderhood Studios, to show some of the heartwarming journeys through a pet’s pregnancy and beyond.

The four-part series features vets James Greenwood and Bolu Eso as they explore pets and the lives of their families.

Rosie’s journey with Blue Cross, where she stayed for 99 days, includes her pregnancy, seven-hour labour and our team’s care for her as she overcame mastitis.

The show features an intense moment, where the Blue Cross team work hard towel rubbing to get one of the puppies breathing.

Thankfully, Rosie and her pups are all healthy – and have all found happy new homes since being filmed.

Since joining Karen at home in Gloucestershire, little Rosie has settled into her new life with ease.

The pair love heading out for walks, or exploring the garden, and Rosie has “really come out of her shell” since her days on the streets.

Former nurse turned teacher Karen relishes the time she spends with her pet, after life dealt some tough challenges.

As well as Barney’s illness and death, Karen had sadly lost one of her oldest friends to cancer the same year.

“It was a very difficult time,” she acknowledges. “I wasn’t looking for another dog because it’s like losing a member of your family when they die.

“I think it had to be the right dog though, and I truly think she found me. I think she saw that she was the dog I wanted. 

"Terriers seem to suit me. They’ve got a cheekiness about them and great character.”

Now four, Rosie’s “personality has really come out” as her confidence has increased, adds Karen, and she is living life to the full.

Her days as a stray are a distant memory and Rosie can relax and enjoy life in a loving home, with all the care and attention she deserves.

“When Rosie came into Bue Cross as a stray, she was very confused and frightened,” explains Hannah Wiltshire, Centre Manager at our Burford site.

“It was a surprise when our vets discovered she was pregnant, but Rosie took it all in her stride. We kept an eye on Rosie round the clock during her pregnancy and she was a fantastic mum when she gave birth to her puppies, giving them lots of care and attention.

“It's so wonderful to know Rosie has now found her forever home where she’s getting all the love she deserves.”

Fur Babies airs on Channel 4 during December 2023, with Rosie’s story featured on 28 December, and can be viewed on demand through All 4.