Woman shocked by ‘very scared’ dog hiding in her driveway

WARNING — GRAPHIC IMAGES: An investigation has been launched after a stunned woman made a heartbreaking discovery “curled up” behind a bush in her driveway.

Emma Fowler said she was “shocked” to recently find an incredibly undernourished three-year-old dog – named Roxy – seeking respite at her home near Essex in the UK.

The Dogue de Bordeaux cross – also known as the French Mastiff – was so hungry that all of his ribs were visible, she said.

“I was shocked to see Roxy cowering in our path,” Emma said. “But I am happy that she found a sunny place on our road to wait for help, and I am very grateful to the veterinarians for taking her in.

“She looked hungry and incredibly skinny, but she was so sweet once she realized we were friends and we were there to help her. She was grateful for the attention and it was such a relief to have her safe.”

It was later revealed that the dog weighed just 29kg, around half its healthy weight.

RSPCA opens investigation into ‘severely neglected’ dog

Roxy was taken to the RSPCA, who are now trying to trace her owner, as reported by What’s The Jam.

An inspector from the animal charity, Nicky Thorne, has launched an investigation.

“Emma was incredibly worried about Roxy as she was cowering behind a bush and seemed very scared,” Nicky said. “It looked like she had given up. Emma approached her but she growled so she asked some neighbors to help her and they brought her some treats.

“As soon as she ate a few cookies, Roxy decided Emma was her best friend.”

Nicky described the dog as “painfully thin” and “just skin and bones”. “It clearly took her a long time to get to this state, so I suspect she was seriously neglected,” she added.

Roxy was microchipped at a property in Essex, and Nicky followed her former owners who say she was rehomed in September 2023.

Jam press