While taking a stroll in Jefferson County, Missouri, two individuals were taken aback when they saw a peculiar creature that resembled a rock begin to move toward them.
Upon closer inspection, they realized that this small being, with its thickened skin, bald patches, and painful scabs, was in fact a dog needing urgent care.
Taking swift action, they reached out to Stray Rescue of St. Louis to alert them about the distressed animal. In response, the rescue organization requested that the dog be brought to their facility for immediate medical attention.
A man named Todd Whiteaker volunteered to transport the dog, unsure of how the process would play out.
To his surprise, the dog effortlessly hopped into Whiteaker’s car, settling comfortably in the passenger seat. “He immediately jumped over me in the driver’s seat and laid down next to me in the passenger’s seat,” Whiteaker shared on Facebook.
Upon arrival at the shelter, the veterinary team performed a thorough examination and discovered the dog was suffering from scabies, an infectious skin condition caused by mites.
This painful affliction required a course of antibiotics and soothing medicated baths to bring relief. “He was so scared during his first bath that he cried out and howled.
It broke our hearts, but we knew it would help him feel better,” explained Natalie Thomson, the chief communications officer for Stray Rescue of St. Louis, to The Dodo.
They named the dog Lycan, inspired by his rugged appearance, reminiscent of a “werewolf.” Due to the contagious nature of scabies, Lycan was placed in isolation to receive treatment and care, which included gloves and gowns for the staff when interacting with him.
“He loved being touched, but we had to wear gloves and gown up. When we did, he just leaned into us and melted at every touch,” Thomson remarked.
With time, Lycan’s condition improved. His pain receded, his skin healed, and before long, patches of fur began to grow back. As his health progressed, it was decided that Lycan was ready for a foster home.
“This guy has the sweetest personality. He’s gentle but craves love. He was the best patient, always trusting us and holding still for us, as if he knew we were helping him,” Thomson said.
Whiteaker, who had been involved in Lycan’s story from the start, decided to foster him, providing a loving environment for the dog to acclimate to indoor life.
Together, they worked on potty training and short periods of alone time, and Lycan discovered simple pleasures such as basking in the sun, car rides, and cuddling with his foster dad.
Over the weeks, Lycan’s transformation was astonishing. His once ravaged skin was replaced with a healthy, golden coat, revealing the beautiful Husky underneath. Just three months after being rescued, Lycan was unrecognizable from the suffering pup he once was.
Although Lycan attended several adoption events, he had not yet found his forever home. However, those who met him were confident that the right family would soon come along.
“He will never know anything else except for unconditional love from this day forward and his days of sadness, isolation, and pain are nevermore. He’s beautiful inside and out, no matter what,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis expressed.
Lycan’s journey from a stray to a spirited Husky is a testament to the transformative power of kindness and second chances. His story inspires hope and underscores the impact of compassion in changing lives.
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