Most people don’t shop for pets while on vacation.
One woman was enjoying her time in Aruba when she found a dog that looked like it was made of stone. She was shocked at what she was seeing. This dog had no hair and his skin was hard and lumpy. She was concerned for the pup and knew he needed medical care.
She called Sgt Pepper’s Friends Foundation, and the rescue picked him up.
Melissa, the woman who rescued the dog, said:
“He looked like a walking stone when I found him ..I knew I wanted to help so I opened the car door and he jumped right in.”
The rescue immediately realized that the dog was suffering from sarcoptic mange.
It was the worst case they had ever seen, and they were surprised that the dog was still alive. According to Pet MD:
“Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious skin disease found in dogs, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. These mites will burrow through the skin causing intense itching and irritation. The scratching that results from mange is what causes the majority of the animal’s hair to fall out. This is a treatable medical condition but is highly contagious for other animals and humans. Pet owners are advised to keep the dog quarantined while it is being treated for mange.”
The rescuers knew it would take some time before this dog was feeling like his old self again.
One of the rescuers explained the treatment process:
“He was bathed with medicated shampoo two times a week and received injections for his skin for six weeks …His skin started to look better very fast and he was so happy to see us at the vet every time. After eight weeks his skin tests came out negative and he went to a boarding place for dogs …Last week we confirmed his adoption, so we hope to find him a flight to Seattle as soon as he finishes his heartworm treatment.”
The dog was happy to get some help and relief.
He had been suffering for a while, and he was clearly in a lot of pain. The rescuers could tell that he knew he was finally safe and was getting help. They said:
“He was so grateful. He is the sweetest thing.”
Dayenne Holwerda, a representative from the rescue, explained:
“Melissa, who was vacationing here, saw Ozzy and contacted us for help …We decided to help, and Melissa went to look for him again and bring him to our vet. Ozzy really looked like a rock and his face was all swollen and his eyes crusty …He tested positive for heartworm and sarcoptic mange, so we had no choice than to leave him at the vet to be treated.”
While Ozzy may still have some skin issues, he has recovered well.
He is now happy and healthy, and he is one of the friendliest dogs anyone at the rescue has ever seen. He will continue his treatment until he is completely healed, and then he will be adopted by a family who will love and care for him.
Holwerda added:
“Ozzy is very happy with attention, snuggles, and treats and even though he is still in boarding and under treatment, he seems to know we are helping him. Yesterday he even made some happy dances and hops in the play area, showing his playful side.”
It would have been easy for Melissa to have ignored the dog and just went about her vacation, but she just couldn’t do it.
She didn’t feel right about leaving him there. She may not have been able to care for him herself, but she did what she could to make sure the dog wasn’t left there to die. Ozzy is now being cared for and will have a fresh start thanks to Melissa and the people at the rescue. He’s one lucky dog.
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