A deal of our furry friends are so neglected that, unfortunately, they develop conditions so serious that they cost their lives.
This is the case with Augustus, an adorable border collie who suffered from mange so severe he almost passed away, but his strength and desire to live allowed him to enjoy each dawn again.
Debbie Rappuhn, president and co-founder of Heart of Alabama Save Rescue Adopt (HASRA) animal shelter, is used to seeing puppies in dire situations as she witnesses animal cruelty and neglect.
But Augustus’s situation has been one of the most difficult cases he has had to experience, even with his experience and nerves of steel his strength broke when he saw him.
This border collie was rescued wandering the streets of Northwest Alabama, in the United States. His condition was very deplorable.
His fur had turned into a giant, painful scab from a severe case of mange. His condition had advanced so far that it was virtually impossible to tell Augustus’s race. The poor pup looked like “something” with pus, skin, and bones.
Fortunately, an angel on earth saw him in the crowd and decided to take him to the HASRA animal shelter.
Such was the impression that this puppy made when he arrived at the rescue center that the staff will never forget his case. The shelter vet suffered a lot when he saw his new patient, but without thinking, he prepared to save his life.
Augustus’ state of health was so critical that there was no time to grieve, time was against him and what had to be done had to be done quickly.
In addition to scabies, Augustus was emaciated with thousands of mites in his ears. Little by little, the vet carefully peeled off the thin layers of bark from his former fur , dewormed him, and thus began his slow, difficult and painful healing process.
This puppy’s recovery is simply a case of miracle.
Over time, not only did her hair grow back, but she also left that stage of suffering behind to make way for a new life full of love and care.
Little by little, his breed started to emerge and before you would see a sad dog dying, now you can see a happy and healthy border collie, almost recovered completely and ready for adoption.
Eventually, a couple brought him home, and Mindy, a dog that was originally a family pet, became Augustus’ best friend.
After near death from severe malnutrition and one of the most severe cases of scabies, Augustus was the happiest dog in the world.
We celebrate his drastic transformation by sharing Augustus’ story as an example of strength and love.