One ordinary day, Sharon Bertozzi, a resident of California, was taken aback when she discovered a stray animal seeking refuge behind a ceramic vase on her doorstep.
The creature was so emaciated and ill that it was unrecognizable.
Its canine features, however, led Sharon to believe it was a dog.
Realizing she couldn’t handle the situation alone, Sharon reached out for assistance.
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Sharon turned to the City of Folsom Animal Services for help with the mysterious creature she had found.
The unidentified canine had been huddled in the same spot for four hours before the animal services officers arrived.
They gently persuaded the frail creature into their truck and transported it back to their facility.
The animal’s true identity would soon reveal a surprising twist.
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The staff at the animal service were in for a shock when they took a closer look at the creature.
“At first this was thought to be an old very sick dog,” the department shared on Facebook.
“Upon taking a better look, it is really a young coyote with a really bad case of mange.
This one was taken because she was right by a front door to a house and was not wanting to leave.”
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Despite the revelation that the creature was a coyote, the team remained committed to helping her.
The young coyote was affectionately named Princess by her rescuers.
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The City of Folsom Animal Services was able to provide initial care for Princess.
They discovered that she was suffering from a skin disease caused by mites, which was primarily responsible for her severe hair loss and skin irritation.
They also provided hydration, as Princess was severely dehydrated.
Many people were eager to help Princess on her road to recovery.
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Princess was then transferred to the Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR), a non-profit organization in Loomis, California, specializing in wildlife care.
Upon her arrival, GCWR immediately began treating Princess’s skin disease and bathed her to remove dead skin.
They were delighted to see her consume all the food and drink they provided overnight.
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Princess’s recovery was progressing steadily, much to the delight of everyone involved.
GCWR planned to keep Princess in their shelter for several months to monitor her progress and provide the best possible care.
She also enjoyed spending time with two other coyotes in the shelter, which was beneficial for her health and social development.
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“She is now back on a natural diet, gaining weight and showing improvement in her skin,” Sallysue Stein, president of GCWR’s board of directors, told The Dodo.
“We feel confident that she is on the road to a full recovery.”
Princess, along with a few other coyotes, was eventually ready to return to the wild.
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Princess and the other coyotes managed to recover from their illnesses and regain their strength.
Believing they were now in a better condition, GCWR fulfilled their promise by releasing them back into the wild.
Thanks to the combined efforts of Sharon, the City of Folsom Animal Services, and GCWR, Princess’s rescue and recovery were made possible.
Watch this heartwarming story in the video below!
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