Many dogs endure severe hardship through no fault of their own. Living on the streets exposes them to harsh weather, hunger, illness, and constant uncertainty, often leaving them in heartbreaking condition by the time help arrives.
One such situation unfolded in Virginia, where rescuers encountered a dog whose physical state was so serious that they could not identify her breed at first glance.
Despite everything she had been through, the dog showed immediate trust toward those trying to help her, allowing them to begin treatment without resistance. That trust marked the first step in a careful and hopeful recovery.
Later named Glowup, she would gradually surprise everyone involved as her condition improved and her true appearance was revealed.
A Painful Start
Animal control officers in Petersburg, Virginia, found Glowup and quickly brought her to the Richmond Animal League, where the team welcomed her with open arms.
Her condition was shocking. Her skin was raw, inflamed, and thickened from a severe case of demodectic mange.
At first, staff believed she might be a Shar Pei because of how wrinkled and swollen her skin appeared.
“When this sweet girl arrived, her skin suffered from a nasty case of Demodex. She was missing hair, was covered in scabs, and her skin was thickened,” the Richmond Animal League wrote on Facebook.
Despite the pain she was in, Glowup showed nothing but trust and gentleness toward her caregivers.
She was immediately started on medication and soothing medicated baths to calm her skin. More importantly, she received the love and reassurance she had likely never known before.
With each passing day, her spirit grew stronger. The combination of medical care and affection slowly brought her back to life.
Soon, everyone at the rescue was completely charmed by her sweetness and resilience.
Ms. Glowup was transferred to us from one of our animal control partners so she can get the treatment she needs for her skin. She also has entropion and a heart murmur. #richmondanimalleague #sheltermedicine #demodex #shelterdog #adoptadog
Within a few short weeks, Glowup began to heal. Her skin cleared, her fur started to grow back, and for the first time in a long while, she was comfortable and safe.
The Real Glowup
As Glowup continued her recovery, the truth about her breed was finally revealed.
What had once looked like Shar Pei wrinkles were actually scars of neglect and untreated mange. Beneath it all, the team discovered a cheerful and affectionate Pitbull mix.
To celebrate her progress, the Richmond Animal League shared a post featuring her stunning transformation.
“We began a course of treatment that included medicated baths to help her skin and the results speak for themselves. We think Ms. Glowup should be in ads for the shampoo; I mean, look at her amazing before and after photos,” the RAL team wrote.
The once-unrecognizable pup had blossomed into a healthy, joyful dog with a bright future ahead.
While her past remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Glowup will never again face such suffering. When the right family finds her, she will fill their home with the same warmth and love that helped her heal.
