But now, the Millcreek Police Department's Animal Control Division is investigating her for possible animal cruelty, after her chihuahua was found frozen to death Saturday morning.
Rossman claims her roommate let dog outside Friday night, and never let him back in.Thinking Peanut was nestled in blankets on the couch, Rossman says she went to bed. When she woke up the next morning, she found Peanut outside. "I started calling him. He always comes to me and I didn't hear him," she said. "For some reason I went outside and I found his collar right outside and I started looking around, and found him out by my fence, frozen to the ground."
Rossman's situation is a sad reminder of just how important paying close attention to your pets can be. The ASPCA says pet owners should follow these guidelines during the winter months: If you have an outdoor cat or dog, keep them indoors, be aware of how long your pet can tolerate the cold, and don't leave your pets in the car, as it can be just as cold inside, as outside.
"Please watch your dogs when it's really cold," she said. "Don't allow them to be out very long at all, because things like this can happen."