The Dartmouth Humane Society and Shelter on Ventura Drive is now accepting applications for their local celebrity, a senior dog nicknamed ‘Rosie’.

Public interest in the aging canine skyrocketed after an April 4 Town of Dartmouth Animal Control Facebook post about the dog went viral, garnering nearly 10,000 likes and thousands of shares and comments.

Rosie was found by the side of Horseneck Road in early April with an open bag of food next to her. 

She has since appeared on local news along with shelter director Melinda Ventura, who explained that the dog — believed to be around 10 years old — would be taken to the vet for a checkup while on a state-mandated, seven-day adoption hold.

The wait is necessary for all strays in case their owners come looking for them.

But in spite of a massive search for Rosie’s owner, none was found.

“The big bag of dog food open next to her was the giveaway,” said Ventura, hinting that she was most likely abandoned.

The adoption hold is now over and the Humane Society is looking for a good home for Rosie, who Ventura says is friendly and healthy. The dog is heading back to the vet on Wednesday to be spayed.

Despite hundreds of Facebook comments showing interest in adopting Rosie, Ventura said that they have received only a few applications so far. “Talk is cheap,” she said, adding that it’s a ten-year-old dog, so she understands that people wouldn’t be able to bear the thought of losing her. “It’s a commitment.”

Anyone interested in adopting Rosie should send an application request to tmartin@hsssc.org.