Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Woman Learns That Crusty 10-Week-Old Puppy Is Not A Puppy At All

By: Julie Hunt
Julie Hunt is an avid dog lover and writer for iHeartDogs.com, and has a background as a veterinary technician. She rescued a beautiful former bait dog named Rory.Read more
| August 15, 2024

Gloria, a gentle pup suffering from mange, longed to find humans who would provide her with the love and care she desperately needed. Estimated to be around nine to ten weeks old, Gloria’s hopes for a better life brightened when Burlington Animal Services stepped in to rescue her. Her journey took a positive turn when Hope Animal Rescue, a North Carolina-based nonprofit, took her under their wing. The rescue quickly reached out to Emily Dunn, a dedicated foster parent, asking if she could care for a young puppy with mange.

wally_the_pit/TikTok

When Dunn saw Gloria’s photo for the first time, she was instantly drawn to the little dog’s expressive eyes. Without hesitation, she agreed to bring Gloria home and help her heal. The following day, Dunn met Gloria and was taken aback by the puppy’s poor condition. Gloria had been diagnosed with demodex mange and a severe skin issue, leaving her with barely any fur on her rough and scaly skin.

Despite her condition, Gloria wagged her tail the moment she saw Dunn as if she knew this kind-hearted person was there to help her. Dunn gently stroked Gloria, holding her face in her hands, and reassured her with a soft touch.

wally_the_pit/TikTok

Once home in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dunn gave Gloria a soothing medicated bath. The puppy, feeling safe and cared for, looked at Dunn with eyes full of gratitude and affection. Dunn was immediately charmed by Gloria. The little pup craved affection and loved being held. But during a visit to the vet, Dunn received an unexpected surprise.

After Gloria’s initial checkup, the vet revealed that, despite her appearance, Gloria was not a puppy but an adult dog. Both Dunn and the vet suspected that Gloria had likely endured a life of neglect due to irresponsible backyard breeding and was the result of cross-breeding that altered her appearance.

wally_the_pit/TikTok

Just a few days later, Gloria’s skin began to improve. “We are thrilled to see her fur starting to grow back and her skin becoming smoother. Already, in just a few days, her markings are more visible, and she’s shedding less. Her spirit, however, never wavered—she’s still as lively and joyful as ever,” Dunn shared with Newsweek.

Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges
Heartbreaking Discovery: Dozens of Dogs Found After Cruelty Charges

Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!

Gloria is now thriving in foster care, relishing every moment with her foster mom, soaking up the affection she’s finally receiving. “She’s all about love—just a glance, and she’s wagging her tail, eager to be close. She’s happiest curled up in your lap, content to simply be with you,” Dunn added. Although Gloria isn’t yet available for adoption, she’s already garnered numerous applications.

Once this resilient girl fully recovers, she’ll be ready to find a forever home that will shower her with the love she’s always deserved.

Please ‘SHARE’ to pass on this story to a friend or family member

@wally_the_pit Shes having a ✨GLO UP✨ right before our eyes! thank you so much to everyone for all of your support and interest around this sweet girl! Our rescue has actually had to halt applications for her because she has had so much interest! We will ensure that she will find the best home when she is ready I hope her story encourages some of you to consider fostering! Without foster homes, dogs like Gloria wouldn’t have a safe place to land to heal. For me personally, the journey of fostering and being able to save more dogs just like Gloria makes it worth it to me. So no, I will not be foster failing her because then I wouldn’t be able to keep saving more! If you’re not in a place to foster yourself, consider using social media to help promote dogs that need homes and you can also make a donation to your local rescues! Hope Animal Rescue who I volunteer with is 100% donation based and we wouldn’t be able to function without funds from the public. hopeanimals.org ##youglogirl##fosteringsaveslives##rescuedogs##fosterdog##adoptorshopresponsibly##bullybreeds##dogmom##adopt##fosterpuppy##rescuedog@@WeThreePitties ♬ Gloria – The Lumineers

Click ‘SHARE’ below to pass this along to a friend or family member