Many dogs suffer from terrible circumstances due to no wrongdoing of their own. Life on the streets, harsh weather, inadequate shelter, and a lack of food can push them into despair. One heart-wrenching tale comes from Virginia, where rescuers discovered a dog in such distressing condition that they initially misidentified her breed.
The dog, later named Glowup, surrendered to her rescuers, who immediately began her recovery journey. To everyone’s amazement, she soon began to transform!
A Difficult Start In Life

Animal control in Petersburg, Virginia, discovered Glowup and promptly transferred her to Richmond Animal League, where she was welcomed with open arms. Upon arrival, Glowup was in dire condition—her skin was inflamed from severe demodectic mange, leading the staff to initially believe she was a Shar Pei.
“When this sweet girl arrived, her skin suffered from a nasty case of Demodex. She was missing hair, covered in scabs, and her skin was thickened,” RAL shared on Facebook.

Despite her challenging start, Glowup’s caregivers dedicated themselves to her recovery. They provided regular medication and medicated baths while showering her with love, which proved essential for her healing process. Glowup slowly emerged from her shell, endearing herself to everyone involved in her care.
@richmondanimalleague Ms. Glowup was transferred to us from one of our animal control partners so she can get the treatment she needs for her skin. She also has entropion and a heart murmur. #richmondanimalleague #sheltermedicine #demodex #shelterdog #adoptadog ♬ Gorgeous – Taylor Swift
Within weeks, Glowup was on the road to a full recovery. Her coat began to heal, leading to newfound happiness and safety.
Mystery Resolved

Glowup’s recovery not only highlighted her resilience but also revealed her true breed—a charming Pitbull mix—disproving the initial assumption made by the shelter staff. The Richmond Animal League shared her ‘before and after’ photos on Facebook, showcasing her remarkable transformation during recovery.
“We began a course of treatment that included medicated baths to help her skin and the results speak for themselves. We think Ms. Glowup should be in ads for the shampoo; I mean, look at her amazing before and after photos,” the RAL team stated.

Glowup blossomed into a joyful and affectionate girl, finally surrounded by those who care for her. Even though her past remains a mystery, one thing is certain: devoid of uncertainty, she is now fully prepared to find her forever home. We are pawsitive she will grace a loving family with her affection and receive the cozy, pawfect home she truly deserves!