For dogs with thick coats, surviving alone on the streets is incredibly difficult, especially when their fur becomes tangled and matted.
Many end up battling painful infections, or they become infested with fleas and ticks. The heat grows unbearable, and even basic things like seeing clearly become a struggle.
It is heartbreaking to imagine what these animals endure, but there is one small comfort. Dedicated rescuers work tirelessly to bring them off the streets and into safety.
When Missouri rescuers from Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) encountered one stray dog covered in mats, they were stunned by what they uncovered beneath all that fur.
She Endured More Than Anyone Realized
It began as an ordinary day for SRSL staff until a Good Samaritan walked into their building carrying a severely matted dog.
The person asked if the shelter had space for one more, and the team immediately agreed. They were determined to help her.
SRSL wrote on Facebook: “Someone brought in this tiny, matted pup they found. Of course, we said YES! We’ll get this little lady all fixed up.”
The staff named her Wooly and began planning how to carefully remove the heavy mats covering her body.
A medical exam revealed her condition was far worse than expected. SRSL explained: “This poor, tiny 10-pound pup is being EATEN ALIVE and infested with maggots.”
Rescuers quickly began shaving away the fur. Once finished, they saw her skin was inflamed and infected.
She was given medication to treat the infection and placed on a new diet to help her regain strength. Meanwhile, the team worked tirelessly to secure a medical foster home where she could continue healing.
A Brighter Path Forward
The shelter shared: “This little angel is being picked up shortly to go to a medical foster home, so she doesn’t have to be in the loud, scary shelter. We want her to be as comfortable as she’s ever been!”
Wooly’s joy was immediate. Her tail began wagging, and her personality started to shine through.
She was finally able to rest, free from the constant worry of scavenging for food or searching for shelter. For the first time, she was safe and cared for.
Two months after her rescue, SRSL announced wonderful news. Wooly had found her forever home.
Her time in foster care had transformed her. She became more outgoing, playful, and ready to bond with her new family.
SRSL concluded: “Woolly arrived at the shelter, unrecognizable as a schnauzer. She’s an, ‘I can’t believe that’s the same dog’ – dog. THIS is why fostering shelter dogs matters! Woolly is living her dream life!”