She was ill and had recently said goodbye to her best friend - Risky the Red Heeler.

On her way to the doctor's Rosie stopped by Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic to see how much money she owed.

She had been paying for the cost of several operations on her friend Risky in instalments.

Last week the receptionist told Rosie she had $147 left to pay on her bill. Maybe not a huge amount, but for someone who had been struggling financially it was still significant.

Rosie continued on to the doctors and it was there she received a phone call.

"When I got to the doctor's I was waiting and the phone rang," Rosie said. "The receptionist at the doctor's called me up and said 'Rosie it is for you' - which was very odd.

"It was Stacy [from the vet] and she said 'Rosie I have to tell you there was a gentleman here and he has paid off your bill'."

The simple gesture did more than just brighten her day. It restored her faith in the goodness of people.

"There is still beauty out there amongst human beings," she said.

"It was only $147 but I was still struggling. It has meant the world to me, it wasn't about the money, it was about the gesture.

"I eventually would have paid it off but the fact there was a human being out there that recognised my hurt ... and stepped forward to do something so wonderful."

Rosie has since left a thank you card with the veterinary clinic for the generous mystery man.