While walking in Jefferson County, Missouri, two Good Samaritans were startled when an odd, rock-like creature moved toward them. The small figure had thickened skin, bald patches, and painful scabs. At first glance, he looked nothing like a dog.
When they took a closer look, their shock grew. The fragile little animal was indeed a dog, one who desperately needed medical attention. Without wasting a moment, they contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis to report the situation.
A Journey Toward Help
After hearing the report, the rescue asked the Good Samaritans to transport the dog to the shelter so he could receive immediate care. A man named Todd Whiteaker offered to handle the drive.
Whiteaker worried that getting the dog into his car might be a challenge. What happened instead left him speechless.
“He immediately jumped over me in the driver’s seat and laid down next to me in the passenger’s seat,” Whiteaker wrote on Facebook.
The rescue he thought would take effort unfolded with surprising ease.
A Difficult Diagnosis
Once at the shelter, the veterinary team completed a full examination. They confirmed that the pup was suffering from scabies, a severe and contagious infestation caused by mites that burrow under the skin. The condition had left him in agony.
“Because the infection was so bad, he needed antibiotics and medicated baths. 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, chief communications officer for Stray Rescue of St. Louis, in an interview with The Dodo.
The staff named him Lycan, meaning “werewolf,” a nod to his rough exterior. Since scabies can spread easily, he was placed in strict isolation for two weeks. During that period, the team treated him with medication, soothing baths, and as much affection as safety protocols allowed.
“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 shared.
A New Beginning For Lycan
As the days passed, Lycan slowly began to recover. His skin started to calm, his pain eased, and soon small tufts of fur began to appear. When his progress reached a stable point, the team determined he could move into 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 the first to transport Lycan, continued to follow his recovery closely. Before long, he chose to foster him himself.
In his new environment, Lycan began learning how to live indoors.
Whiteaker worked with him on potty training and supported him as he learned to handle brief moments alone. Lycan also discovered the joys of lounging in sunny spots, going for car rides, and snuggling with his foster dad.
As the weeks went on, his transformation became remarkable. The patches of new fur grew thicker, and soon his entire appearance changed. Beneath the once cracked and ravaged skin was a stunning blond Husky.
Three months after his rescue, Lycan no longer resembled the neglected pup found on the street. His body had healed, his energy had returned, and his confidence grew every day.
He attended several adoption events, yet his perfect match had not appeared quite yet. Still, everyone who met him believed that the right family would come for him soon.
“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 wrote.
Lycan’s recovery is a powerful example of what compassion can change. From an unrecognizable, suffering pup to a vibrant Husky, his story shows how second chances can reshape a life.