When rescuer Brenda heard about a frightened dog sleeping on a discarded mattress deep in the Oregon woods, she knew she had to act.
The pup looked anxious and unsure, so Brenda spoke gently, using a playful tone to reassure him. It was as if the dog, later named Hondo, sensed her kindness. To her relief, he followed her and climbed willingly into her truck.
Urgent Help
Hondo’s condition was heartbreaking. Without hesitation, Brenda rushed him to a local shelter in Oregon.
“He definitely looked like he was in a lot of pain. His skin was obviously painful. He was completely bald,” said Brenda.
At the shelter, Hondo slowly began to relax. Brenda’s calm voice and steady reassurance helped him realize that he was finally safe.
Veterinarians diagnosed him with a severe case of mange, and he was given immediate treatment. As his healing began, his true personality started to shine through. Beneath the suffering was a playful, affectionate dog eager to show his heart.
Learning To Trust And Feel Love
For more than a month, Hondo waited at the shelter, but no one came forward to adopt him.
Determined to give him a chance, the shelter contacted the South Coast Humane Society (SCHS) in Oregon. SCHS quickly arranged a foster home for him the very next day.
His foster mom, Sarah, and her son, Seth, were overjoyed to welcome him.
“I felt horrible when I saw Hondo and the condition he was in because you don’t look like that overnight. That’s years of neglect,” said Sarah.
Seth bonded with Hondo immediately. Between soothing baths twice a week to treat his mange and endless play sessions and cuddles, Hondo blossomed. Despite years of loneliness, he quickly warmed up to everyone he met.
A Forever Family At Last
Sarah noted that Hondo would do best in a home without other dogs, or only with very submissive companions.
He didn’t require much exercise, just someone who enjoyed quiet time outdoors with him, helping him stay active at his own pace.
Before long, the perfect family appeared. They saw his gentle spirit and knew instantly that Hondo was meant to be theirs.
Now, the dog who once curled up on a filthy mattress in the woods spends his days surrounded by warmth, comfort, and love.
