Missouri Rescuers Couldn’t Believe What They Found Beneath This Dog’s Matted Fur
One day, someone walked into Stray Rescue of St. Louis holding a tiny bundle of matted fur.
At first glance, it was hard to even tell what kind of dog she was, just a little tangled puff who had clearly been through a lot.
The Good Samaritan simply asked if they had room for one more lost soul. Of course, the answer was yes. There’s always room for one more.
The shelter team named her Woolly because, honestly, that’s exactly what she looked like. Layers upon layers of tangled hair covered her from head to toe.
But once they started to shave away the mats, they realized this wasn’t just a simple grooming case. Poor Woolly’s body told a heartbreaking story.
Beneath all that fur were open wounds, painful infections, and signs that she had been suffering for a long time. Even worse, her rescuers discovered maggots burrowing in her skin.
It was devastating, as the rescue shared on their website:
“It’s one of the worst things we’ve ever seen! Even some our staff, who has just about seen it all, had to leave the room. This poor tiny 10 pound pup is being EATEN ALIVE and infested with maggots.”
But nobody gave up on her. The team carefully trimmed away every mat. It took time, patience, and a lot of love, but soon, the frail little pup began to emerge.
When the last tangle fell to the floor, they could finally see her tiny frame, just ten pounds of pure sweetness. The rescue shared on Facebook:
“Well, here she is! Ten pound Woolly is wrapped up like the little baby she is, and being cuddled like crazy.”
Once her medical treatments started, Woolly was moved into a quiet foster home where she could finally rest and heal.
The first night there, she slept deeply, probably for the first time in who knows how long. The rescue added:
“Little angel is being picked up shortly to go to a medical foster home, so she doesn’t have to be in the loud, scary shelter. We want her to be as comfortable as she’s ever been! Her first maggot-free night.”
Her foster mom, Anne, said she was the sweetest little dog she’d ever met.
She felt right at home the moment she arrived and finally got a peaceful night’s sleep. The next morning, she woke up calm and cozy. The rescue shared another joyful update:
“Last night was the best night of sleep she’s had in a loooooooong time. She’s clean, she’s FREE, and she’s been nothing but sweet and grateful. What a doll!”
And as the days went by, Woolly’s sparkle slowly returned. She started playing with toys and looked at people with soft, trusting eyes again.
Over the next few weeks, Woolly slowly came out of her shell. Her foster mom couldn’t help but fall in love with her.
She happily kept the SRSL team updated on every little milestone, as they shared on Facebook:
“We hit the jackpot when we took Woolly home. She is a dream dog. She’s smart, house trained, dog friendly and very social already! She is healing and is so happy. We’re so sad for all that she’s been through.”
Two months later, Woolly’s transformation was nothing short of magical. The scared, matted little stray who once looked unrecognizable has turned into a bright, joyful schnauzer who loves her new life.
Today, Woolly is living her best life with her forever family, showered with love, snuggles, and all the comfort she deserves.
She’s proof that with a little patience, kindness, and care, even the most broken hearts can find their way back to happiness.And honestly, one look at her now, shiny coat, happy grin, and all, and you can’t help but think, Wow… I can’t believe that’s the same dog.
