It’s sadly not unusual to come across stray dogs today, as the problem continues to grow.
Too many of them are left without homes, struggling for food and safety, even though every dog deserves a family. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t always offer them that chance.
The story of this stray began just like so many others, but what makes it different is that this time, there was hope waiting at the end of the road.
Is It A Wig?
While driving through Southeast Missouri, a woman noticed what appeared to be a wig lying in the middle of the road.
Something about it didn’t sit right with her, so she slowed down to take a closer look.
When she stepped out of her car, she realized it wasn’t a wig at all. It was a dog lying completely still, her frail body barely recognizable as one.
The woman immediately called Mac’s Mission, and the organization agreed to take her in.
When the pup was brought to Rochelle Steffen, the director of the mission, the rescuer explained exactly how she had found her.
Steffen later told The Dodo: It made complete sense that she looked like a wig or lump of hair in the middle of the road to the finder, and not a dog.
The woman honked and the dog did not react, so she got out and picked her up, thankfully. Realizing the dog was in such awful shape, she took her with her that morning while trying to find her help.
The pup was in terrible condition. She was missing an eye, her fur was matted in every direction, and she couldn’t even stand on her own.
A Sad, But Hopeful Pup
The dog, who rescuers named Pear, seemed to understand she was finally safe.
It took over an hour to shave away her matted fur and gently clean her up. When it was done, they settled her into a soft new bed so she could rest.
Steffen said: She never made a peep or moved the entire time. She was so sad, or maybe she was happy that she was getting loved on.
She snuggled right into my arms after her bath, and just laid her head down on my lap and took a deep breath. No telling how long she [had] been in survival mode!
The following day, Pear was brought to the vet for treatment. After a careful exam, they shared some good news: she would make a full recovery within weeks and would soon be ready for adoption.
Her future now looks far brighter. Pear continues to heal quickly, and with time, it’s only a matter of days before she can leave her painful past behind and hopefully find the family she has always needed.