When a tiny, hairless pug puppy arrived at The Animal Foundation (TAF) in Las Vegas, staff members were stunned by her condition. Just one year old and weighing only eight pounds, the pup was suffering from a severe case of mange that had left her skin raw, cracked, and inflamed. Her fur was entirely gone, and her body was bright pink from irritation and infection. For those who saw her, the sight was heartbreaking. According to TAF, “Her tiny, malnourished 8 lb body is cracked, bleeding, and raw.” For anyone familiar with the symptoms of mange in dogs, the severity of her case was alarming.

The shelter named her Talulah and immediately began working on a plan to treat her. Talulah’s condition was one of the worst mange cases the organization had ever encountered. She was itchy, swollen, and visibly in pain. Unable to play or even stand for long, Talulah was described as a “shell of a dog” who desperately wanted to feel better. It’s a vivid reminder of the suffering that neglected animals can endure and the critical role shelters play in their recovery.

To give Talulah the best chance at healing, TAF placed her in a medical foster home with a seasoned caregiver named Amber, who had previously fostered nearly 400 animals. Amber’s experience and compassion made her an ideal match for the fragile pug. Talulah’s treatment plan included medicated baths, soothing mousse applications, antibiotics to fight infection, and pain relief to ease her discomfort. Mange, caused by microscopic mites, is treatable, but the road to recovery can be long and uncomfortable.

Within a week of consistent care, Talulah began to show signs of improvement. Her skin began to heal, and patches of black hair started to return. The transformation was both physical and emotional. As her pain subsided, her personality began to emerge. “Her skin is healing, her tail’s wagging, and her sass is starting to show,” TAF shared on Facebook. It was a hopeful turning point in what had been a painful journey.

By the second week, Talulah’s cracked and inflamed skin had smoothed over. She no longer exhibited signs of pain or distress. Her foster family continued her regimen of baths and medication, but the most powerful treatment may have been the love and attention she received. “Talulah is wiggly, curious, and looking great!” TAF reported. The change in her demeanor reflected the progress in her physical health, and the once-suffering puppy began to thrive.

Three weeks into her recovery, Talulah was almost unrecognizable. Her energy returned, her coat grew thicker, and she eagerly played with her foster siblings. The staff at TAF were amazed by her resilience. “It’s unbelievable,” they wrote. “And this is only the beginning.” Watching Talulah’s transformation from a hairless, shivering pup to a joyful, active dog was a testament to what proper care and compassion can accomplish.

In late September, nearly two months after her initial rescue, Talulah received the ultimate gift: a forever home. Adopted by a loving family, she was given a new name—Wednesday—and a fresh start. Her new life includes two tortoise siblings, Herbie and Pie, and plenty of affection. According to a Facebook update from TAF, “Today, Wednesday looks like a completely different dog. She’s cuddly, sassy, and now has two tortoise siblings.”

Wednesday’s new family quickly fell in love with her vibrant personality. Her adopter, Annette, shared, “I think our favorite part is how sassy she is. When she’s in the mood to snuggle, she’s also a little cuddle bug.” The joy she brings to her new home is a remarkable contrast to the pain she once endured. I found this detail striking—not just because of the physical healing, but because of the emotional recovery that unfolded alongside it.

Stories like Wednesday’s highlight the importance of supporting animal rescue organizations. Severe mange in dogs is both painful and preventable, and with the right care, even the most heartbreaking cases can have a happy ending. The Animal Foundation’s commitment to providing medical treatment, foster care, and eventual adoption made all the difference for one small pug. For those inspired by Wednesday’s journey, TAF continues to accept donations to help other pets in need receive the same level of care and compassion.

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