RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. – 14 dogs were extricated from seemingly inhumane conditions in McDowell County roughly a month ago, as shown in a video shared with WVVA by an advocate. One of those animals, Rose, carries a unique story. Rose is described as a survivor, nurturer, and mother to 11 puppies.
Courtney Prater, who helped rescue the canines, said she had been attempting to help them since 2020, providing supplies and food. Prater called the state Rose and the other dogs were living in absolutely heartbreaking. Those conditions prompted Prater to share images and footage with WVVA depicting the circumstances the animals were found in.
“After I had offered so much help, and I didn’t do… donations for them…it [came] out of, you know, my pocket, it was absolutely infuriating and devastating,” said Prater, an independent animal advocate.
While in captivity, heavily pregnant, freezing and malnourished, Rose reportedly continued to care for the other animals contained with her. Rose was removed from the residence first due to the urgency of her condition. The other dogs were also taken from the property at a later date, and the owner was charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty.
According to a criminal complaint, a Deputy with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office reported finding insufficient shelter and sustenance. The expectant mother was taken to a foster home, and days after her rescue, she gave birth to eight babies, tragically losing four.
“She’s always been full of nothing but love, despite everything she is full of absolutely nothing but love, and I think that everybody can learn something from that, I know I certainly have. She’s my hero,” said Samantha Cozart, Transporter for Soaring Hope Animal Rescue Partners (SHARP) and Foster of Rose and her puppies.
Elsewhere around that time, a structure fire rendered seven puppies orphaned. After two other potential surrogate mothers declined the babies, Rose adopted them immediately.
“Mama Rose… she took one sniff at them and she just started cleaning them and accepted them as her own,” continued Cozart.
Now, Rose and her eleven puppies have been transported to the South Hills Pet Resort in Pennsylvania, where after weening, all of them will be available for adoption.
“She’s just a wonderful little girl and she’s [going to] make somebody such a great dog,” Cozart added.
Prater also explained that everyone is responsible for looking out for animals and should act if they see one in poor or abusive conditions.
“I feel like everybody demands for someone to do something, and I think sometimes people get caught up and they forget that they are someone as well,” stated Prater.
According to Prater and Cozart, the rescue was a collaboration. Some of the associated organizations include Animal Rescue Corps, Tails Humane Society, SHARP, and Animal Disaster Relief Coalition.
Copyright 2025 WVVA. All rights reserved.