Dogs have long been cherished as loyal companions, yet many face unimaginable challenges that leave them in constant pain and distress. Some suffer from severe medical conditions that drastically diminish their quality of life, often leaving them neglected or overlooked. Despite these hardships, every dog deserves a chance to heal and live a fulfilling life with proper care and compassion. Fortunately, there are dedicated animal rescue organizations that step in to provide this essential care, offering second chances to dogs who might otherwise be forgotten or put down due to their ailments.
Such was the case for one special puppy named Steven, whose life was transformed thanks to the dedication of an animal rescue organization. Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), a nonprofit animal rescue group in Austin, Texas, stepped in to save Steven, a young dog with severe mange who was at risk of being euthanized. Their decision to act gave this puppy a second chance at life — one that was nearly taken away.
In late August, staff from APA! visited a nearby shelter to assess animals in need. It was during this routine visit that they came across a sight that broke their hearts: a five-month-old puppy named Steven, suffering from one of the worst cases of demodex mange they had ever seen. Mange is a painful skin condition caused by mites that leads to extreme itching, hair loss, and inflamed, infected skin. For young Steven, this condition had already taken a devastating toll on his little body.
Steven’s appearance was shocking: his entire body was inflamed, his eyelids were so swollen that his eyes were sealed shut, and he had lost almost all of his fur. What remained was “crusty” skin covered in scabs and sores. His condition had deteriorated to such an extent that he appeared lifeless and weak. It was clear to APA! staff that Steven was living in constant discomfort, and they feared the shelter would soon put him down due to the severity of his condition.
But despite his miserable state, the team at APA! saw something in Steven that gave them hope. They recognized the fight still inside this fragile dog. While others might have given up on him, APA! was determined to give Steven a chance to heal and thrive.
“We couldn’t turn away from the light we knew was hiding inside this angel,” APA! wrote on social media, reflecting on their decision to rescue Steven. “Even though he was suffering, we could see that there was so much more to him than the pain.”
Without hesitation, APA! staff returned to the shelter and officially took Steven into their care. The first step in Steven’s journey was immediate medical treatment. The staff knew that his case of demodex mange would require long-term treatment, patience, and a lot of love. They started by providing medication to ease his skin irritation and inflammation, helping to soothe the unbearable itching and promote healing.
Sarah Muirhead, APA!’s senior program manager, became Steven’s foster parent. She took him under her wing, committed to giving him the care and affection he desperately needed to regain his health. “He was the cutest little mange puppy,” Muirhead said in an interview with People. “He was very curious about us checking him out in the kennel, and he seemed like a happy puppy, even though he was so uncomfortable.”
Under Muirhead’s care, Steven began to show signs of improvement. His skin, once riddled with painful sores, slowly started to heal. Although the process was gradual, the rescue team was encouraged by his progress. As his skin began to recover, his sweet and loving personality emerged.
“He’s full of snuggles and never turns down a belly rub,” APA! shared on their Facebook page. “He’s a little fighter, and he even wears tiny t-shirts to protect his delicate skin while it heals.”
The t-shirts helped shield Steven’s sensitive skin from irritation while also keeping him warm, as his fur had not yet fully grown back. His recovery was a testament to the power of proper medical care and the compassionate touch of a loving foster home.
Week by week, Steven’s health improved. The medication reduced his inflammation, and his scabs started to disappear. His fur, which had almost completely fallen out, began to grow back, covering areas of his body that had once been exposed and raw. While he still had a few patches of crusty skin left, his overall condition had transformed.
“He’s still a little itchy now and then, but medically, he’s doing fantastic,” Muirhead told People, reflecting on Steven’s remarkable progress. “He’s come so far since we first met him.”
With each passing day, Steven’s energy and joy for life became more apparent. He loved to play with toys and enjoyed spending time with other dogs, proving that despite his painful start in life, he was just like any other puppy eager to explore the world.
As Steven’s physical transformation continued, the APA! team knew he was ready to take the next step in his journey: finding a forever home. While he was still receiving treatment for mange, it was no longer a barrier to his adoption. The condition, though requiring ongoing care, was not contagious, and Steven’s adoption page highlighted how much progress he had made in just a few short weeks.
According to his profile, Steven is fully housetrained and loves being around people and other dogs. His playful nature and affectionate personality make him a perfect fit for an active household. For a family willing to continue his care, Steven would be an ideal companion.
Recent photos of Steven showcase his incredible transformation. The once pink, scaly skin is now covered in a soft layer of fur, and his eyes, once swollen shut, now sparkle with curiosity and joy. Steven’s recovery is a powerful reminder of what can happen when animals in need are given a second chance.
Steven’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the undeniable impact of love and care. Thanks to the commitment of Austin Pets Alive! and the kindness of foster caregivers like Sarah Muirhead, this once “crusty” shelter dog is now healthy, happy, and ready to live his best life.
While Steven’s journey isn’t over, the hardest part is behind him. The once heartbreaking sight of a suffering, neglected puppy has been replaced by the image of a playful, spirited dog full of life. He has overcome so much in his short life, and now all that remains is finding a loving forever family to call his own.
For APA!, Steven’s story is a reminder of why they do what they do. Every animal, no matter how dire their circumstances, deserves a chance to thrive. And thanks to APA!’s mission, dogs like Steven can leave their painful pasts behind and embrace a future filled with love.
As Steven continues his journey, the team at APA! hopes his story will inspire others to consider adoption and to never give up on animals in need. With the right care, even the most hopeless cases can become tales of transformation and triumph.
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