It has become increasingly common to encounter a neglected dog in dire straits, forsaken by a cruel owner. Nevertheless, it’s rare to find such a lost canine on your doorstep.
This is precisely what transpired for Rena Perkens Schlueter, a resident of Orange, California, when she spotted an unusual furry being outside her home. Initially, she could hardly recognize what it was, which highlighted the tragic situation of the dog.
Upon realizing it was a distressed pup, her heart shattered, engulfed by shock.
The Heartbreaking Truth of Neglect
Rena was only able to identify it as a dog due to the large clumps of matted, filthy fur. It was such a heart-wrenching scene that she instinctively moved closer to help.
Sadly, the frightened dog bolted, fleeing into the unknown as she approached. After a brief search in vain, she returned to her day but kept a quiet hope of encountering him again to rescue him from his suffering.
This hope was realized when she returned to her home in Orange, California, only to find the dog in the same state, nearly at the same spot.
Yet one significant change had occurred; this time, he did not flee from her, and instead displayed a genuine willingness to receive help.
Incredible Transformation That Captured Hearts
Even though the dog was clearly interested in his rescuer, he remained very apprehensive, barking whenever she got too close. Consequently, she made the wise choice to enlist professional assistance.
“I tried to get close, but I knew he was terrified and likely hurting,” Rena stated, as reported by Rocky Kanaka. “I was unsure of what to do, and calling Animal Control was my only recourse. I contacted them and provided a photo; they assessed it as an emergency and dispatched a team in approximately 20 minutes.”
This was undoubtedly the best course of action since it is always prudent to let professionals handle a dog with aggressive tendencies.
While waiting for professional help, Rena took steps to assist the dog. She shared his story and photo in a Facebook group dedicated to Orange residents, which turned out to be an exceptional decision, as the post quickly went viral.
Meanwhile, the dog was taken to OC Animal Care. Due to his distress, the team opted to sedate him prior to grooming and medical examination.
Despite the challenging circumstances, everything turned out well, and this dog underwent a remarkable transformation in no time. Rena was largely credited for this, but we must not overlook the many kind individuals who contributed to his recovery.
Yet, the best part was still ahead for this pup.
A Happy Conclusion Sooner Than Anticipated
Once looked after by the dedicated staff at the animal shelter, it was estimated that this dog weighed only 12 pounds and was around 10 years old. Fortunately, he didn’t have any significant health problems. Additionally, he appeared stunning after his grooming.
This prompted his readiness for adoption. Given his age and background, the shelter’s knowledgeable staff believed he could provide companionship for many years.
To their surprise and joy, he found his forever home within just one day. You might be curious about how this remarkable turn of events came to be. Recall how sharing the dog’s photo in a Facebook group proved to be a tremendous decision?
This indeed was significant, as Deanna Briggs, a member of the group, fell in love with him after seeing his picture and hearing his story, prompting her to adopt him.
In a matter of days, the formerly matted dog had blossomed into a stunning companion, radiating happiness due to the love he received from his new owner.
This story culminates in a heartwarming happy ending, made possible by the altruistic individuals committed to rescuing him.
