“She was being eaten alive by fleas!”
Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Missouri, is, unfortunately, all too familiar with the plight of mistreated and abandoned animals throughout the year. Sadly, the number of neglected animals has risen this year, leaving the staff at SRSL utterly heartbroken.
Despite the overwhelming situation, they continue to rescue and care for every animal they find. However, one recent rescue stood out from the rest…
“She’s old, weak, and has been neglected like we sadly see so often.”
Skagway, a poor, mistreated pup, arrived at SRSL, and the staff immediately knew there was something special about her.
Beyond her distinctive appearance – patches of wiry hair, pink wrinkled skin showing through hairless spots, and large, pointy ears – what really stood out was her personality.
Surprisingly, Skagway’s character was even more remarkable than her unique looks. As the rescue shared on Facebook:
“She’s such a nice girl, probably around 10 years old. She has such a gentle demeanor.”
Skagway was sweet and friendly, but her rescuers were concerned that an underlying health issue might be causing her hair loss. However, after a thorough vet checkup, it was confirmed:
“She does not have mange. All of that hair loss you see is because she was being eaten alive by fleas!”
Poor girl…
When Skagway first arrived, she was covered in fleas – they were literally eating her alive and the pain was evident in her eyes.
Her mobility was also limited due to arthritis in her hind legs. Yet, despite all these setbacks, her rescuers promised to do everything they could to help her heal.
After a cleansing bath, she was already feeling a bit better! They began her treatment plan and shared her story on Facebook, hoping someone would notice Skagway and see her for who she truly is: a sweet little dog just looking for love.
Luckily, the perfect someone reached out, bringing a new opportunity for Skagway! Halle Gordon, one of the rescue’s regular fosters, shared her appeal:
“I would love to offer her a comfy home. I just love senior dogs so much!!”
The rescue team found it hard to say goodbye to Skagway, but after a few days, they bid her farewell and wished her a speedy recovery in her new foster mom’s home.
They cared for her and she loved cuddling with all of them, but there’s nothing quite like having one devoted foster mama and all her love just for you. There’s no doubt that Skagway will thrive with Halle.
Before long, this once wrinkly, wolf-like pup transformed into a beautiful dog. Her hair started to grow back, and she even managed to stretch out her hind legs without showing any signs of pain.
“After one month in her foster home, we have an amazing GLOW UP to show you! Skagway has even started getting up and trotting to the door on her own when her foster mom gets home.”
Look at her now! Talk about a glow-up! Skagway is one fine little old lady.
Her appearance and quality of life have drastically improved, all within just two months of her rescue. Though her life was once filled with hardship, this sweet girl overcame every challenge thrown her way.
Now, she’s thriving and enjoying her golden years to the fullest!
“Skagway is doing great and loving life. She is totally spoiled and knows nothing but love now!”
She basks in all the affection her foster mom showers on her, and who knows? It seems Halle might not be keen on letting her go. Perhaps Skagway will turn out to be a foster-fail after all.