They say love can heal, and Gloria’s journey proves it.
When Emily first saw her at a North Carolina shelter, she felt both drawn in and devastated. Gloria’s eyes seemed to speak directly to her, even though her appearance was anything but comforting.
This tiny, patchy dog, more wormlike than canine, had no idea that Emily and her friend Roni were about to change her life forever.
Not The Puppy Everyone Assumed She Was
Emily and Roni, experienced fosters working with Hope Animal Rescue in North Carolina, didn’t hesitate to take Gloria home.
She won their hearts instantly, and they committed to helping her recover from a severe mange infection.
Gloria’s skin was rough and scaly, her fur nearly gone, and her recovery would be long. She had clearly endured pain for an unknown amount of time, wandering alone without anyone to care for her.
Yet, despite her suffering, Gloria’s gentle spirit and sweet demeanor remained intact once she arrived at the shelter.
Her tiny frame and delicate features made her look like a very young puppy, but her actual age was unclear.
“I was given the impression that this was a nine to ten-week-old puppy. She was just so sweet, but I could tell she was in a lot of pain,” Emily told The Dodo.
But after her first vet visit, Emily and Roni received unexpected news. Gloria wasn’t a puppy at all: she was a fully grown adult dog. Her petite size and innocent face had fooled everyone.
It was a surprise no one saw coming.
For the next six weeks, Emily and Roni devoted themselves to Gloria’s recovery. She received frequent baths, consistent care, and slowly began adjusting to life in a new home.
By the sixth week, she stunned everyone again, this time with a dazzling transformation.
Emily and Roni were overwhelmed with pride. Gloria looked completely different, her coat fully restored and her eyes more radiant than ever.
With her mange gone, she truly resembled a royal pup.
Her happiness was unmistakable. Free from pain, Gloria became a joyful, wiggly dog who embraced every moment in her foster home.
“It’s crazy to think that less than two months ago Glo was a stray living on her own, and now she’s ‘glown’ into a princess that’s ready to rule over her very own kingdom,” Hope Animal Rescue wrote on Instagram.
She looked absolutely precious.
It was hard to imagine a better outcome.
A Life-Changing Adoption
After Gloria’s transformation was shared online, Hope Animal Rescue in North Carolina was flooded with adoption inquiries.
Eventually, one application stood out. Her future parents arrived at the shelter eager to meet her, and Gloria instantly melted into their arms.
“It’s official – our Glo-worm has found her forever home,” Roni stated on Instagram.
Now renamed Pygmy, Gloria is off exploring new adventures in a home filled with love and warmth.
She even has her own Instagram account where fans can follow her daily life.
Wishing you the best, Pygmy. The future looks bright.