Heartbroken dog rescued after spending 4 years tied to tree in lonely graveyard

She has spent four years living amongst the dead in a graveyard - and has never felt the human connection she longs for. German shepherd Lucia, who is around four-years-old, has been taken

in by Freedom Angels Romania, who support rescue efforts in Romania and rehome dogs int he UK, after being discovered tied to a tree in a graveyard. Restricted by a six-foot chain, Lucia

would spend her days circling the tree until she could go no further and was forced to retrace her steps around it just for something to do. Knowing nothing else, poor Lucia continued this

movement for several days even after being untied from the tree by heartbroken rescue workers. A statement on her adoption page reads: "Lucia spent her whole life tied to a tree in a

graveyard. There were rarely visitors to the graveyard so she just spent her days among the dead." Surviving on scraps, she drank from a "dirty and dank bowl for water" and

would lay under a rusty old oil drum for cover when the weather turned sour. Despite her hardships, she has been described as a "bright and immensely loving girl", who adores

attention and loves every human she meets. The statement adds: "She is currently in our kennels in Wiltshire. Another love is food and this does help with training. She is super smart

and has easily worked out her interaction toys. "Unfortunately being so clever doesn’t work well when a dog is in kennels and she does get very bored." The rescue team say she

would make an "exceptional dog" to an owner who has the patience to train her and make her feel at ease with her change in lifestyle. Lucia needs an owner who is aged 25 or older -

and she cannot live with children under 16-years-old. She needs to have access to a secure, private garden and cannot be left home alone for more than four hours on a regular basis. The

statement reads: "Although Lucia loves humans, she does not like other dogs. "She walks so nicely when there are no other dogs around but she will pull strongly when she sees one.

She does need to be the only dog in the home and we are looking for a family that has experience with the breed." Commenting on Lucia's heartbreaking story, one Facebook user said:

"Oh dear beautiful Lucia! We are trying so hard to find you the right foster. My heart breaks for you. "You look so much better now and your foster will find you soon. Hang in

there my smart girl. Good things come to those that wait." Another user added: "Someone with German Shepherd experience would love her. Hope she gets a home soon." If

you're interested in rehoming Lucia, or any other dogs under Freedom Angels Romania's care, visit their website at fardogs.co.uk to submit an application.