“Rosie Mattered” — Jury Convicts Shenandoah Woman in Animal Neglect Case
LURAY, Va. – Almost a full year after an animal neglect complaint was initiated, a Shenandoah woman was found guilty in Page County Circuit Court.
A Call for Help
In late October 2024, the Page County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) launched an investigation into the welfare of a two-year-old German Shepherd following a citizen complaint.
Deputy Justin Corbin received photographs on October 24 showing an emaciated dog later identified as “Rosie.”
That evening, Corbin conducted a welfare check at a residence on Sixth Street in Shenandoah, where he found Rosie chained near a pool, severely underweight, with bones protruding through her skin. No food or water bowls were visible.
Rosie’s owner, Sarah Beth Maiden, told the deputy the dog had stopped eating and drinking, but claimed that Rosie had been up and walking around just two days prior. She went on to explain that her suspended driver’s license had prevented her from taking Rosie to a veterinarian.
Corbin ordered Maiden to find a way to immediately transport the animal to Veterinary Emergency Services in Verona. That evening, Rosie had finally arrived for treatment.
During a follow-up call, Veterinarian Dr. Evyman Prado-Sanchez informed Corbin that Rosie weighed just 35 pounds. She said Rosie’s condition was consistent with malnutrition or neglect, and that the only options were costly treatment or humane euthanasia.
Rosie was euthanized.
The dog’s story quickly spread via social media. Her final photos, showing her in a shockingly emaciated state, were shared hundreds of times on Facebook alone.
Maiden soon faced substantial public outrage. Local citizens and animal rights groups fueled demands for her accountability.
Charges Filed
Maiden was initially charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, but after the formal public outcry and mounting case evidence, the charge was elevated to a Class 6 felony under Virginia Code § 3.2-6570.
At a February 2025 preliminary hearing, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Armanda Clymer presented testimony from Deputy Corbin and Dr. Prado-Sanchez.
Protesters outside the courthouse carried “Justice for Rosie” signs and called for harsher penalties and stronger animal-protection laws.
Judge Kenneth L. Alger certified the case to go before a grand jury, which determined in March that sufficient evidence existed to proceed to trial.
The Trial
Jury selection began on the morning of September 10, 2025, with 12 members ultimately chosen from a pool of 80.
Proceedings were held before Judge Clark A. Ritchie and started just prior to 1:30 p.m.
Clymer, assisted by associate Chapman Good, gave the jury a brief overview of the case, including how the welfare check on Rosie was initiated and the condition of the dog as documented by responding deputies.
Clymer told jurors they would hear what Maiden had said — and what she failed to say — about the dog’s care, noting, “What you’re not going to hear is her concern for the dog.”
Defense attorney Scott Hansen argued Rosie’s health problems stemmed from a tick-borne illness and not neglect.
Witnesses called to the stand included Maiden’s brother Jeremy, who confirmed fluctuations in Rosie’s weight but said he had never seen her as emaciated as she was in October.
As he had in previous court testimony, Deputy Corbin described finding Rosie motionless and unresponsive. Dr. Prado-Sanchez again testified that blood work showed signs of dehydration and starvation, not Lyme or any other disease.
On the witness stand, Maiden’s father, Jeffrey, stated he had heard of Rosie’s health struggles but had not seen her in severe decline. He also had no knowledge of the dog’s medical care.
Veterinarian Bruce Bowman testified for the defense, acknowledging that he had never personally treated Rosie. His professional opinion was based on a review of the dog’s medical records, although more than once, he cited information he had read on the internet.
When Maiden finally took the stand, she calmly described adopting Rosie in late 2023 and said the dog’s eating habits fluctuated, with periods of refusing food and drinking excessive amounts of water.
Maiden claimed she often added high-calorie foods to Rosie’s diet but, because of the demands of her own pregnancy, had sought to rehome the dog by late summer 2024. She said she had reached out to shelters and rescue groups but that no one wanted Rosie.
Under cross-examination, Maiden admitted she had not taken Rosie to a veterinarian — despite noting the dog’s significant weight loss.
Closing Arguments and Verdict
Hansen urged jurors to consider the lack of a necropsy after Rosie’s death and the possibility of untreated disease.
Clymer countered that photos, blood tests, and testimony proved Rosie’s decline was the result of neglect.
In less than an hour, jurors left the courtroom and returned with their verdict.
Maiden stood silently as Judge Ritchie read the determination of guilt. She showed no visible reaction, whispering briefly to her lawyer before sitting back down, expressionless. She is due to be sentenced January 14, 2026.
Remembering Rosie
Since her case first became known, local animal advocacy and rescue groups — including Dogs Deserve Better and Page Paws — have honored Rosie’s memory through peaceful vigils, fundraisers, and candid discussions about neglect and responsible pet care.
After Wednesday’s verdict, group members gathered outside the courthouse doors. Some smiled, others cried, and a few did both — among them longtime local animal advocate Tracey Triggs.
Tightly embracing a friend, she expressed appreciation for everyone who helped bring Maiden to justice. Triggs then summed up the shared grief, frustration, and ultimate success of the past year with two heartfelt words:
“Rosie mattered.”
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Follow Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge on Facebook @ddbblueridge. Interested in volunteering? Visit their information page HERE. For general information about fostering, donating or event sponsorships, click HERE.
Follow Page Paws on Facebook by clicking HERE or visit their official website at https://pagepaws.org. Contributions are accepted online via their donation page HERE.
Wisteria Farm & Vineyard in Stanley is hosting a Page Paws fundraising event in Stanley on September 21. Details via the flyer, below:
