“He never stopped wagging his tail.”
The little dog’s eyes were filled with pain and hope, silently pleading for help. Life as a stray in Arkansas had left him hairless and covered in sores caused by Demodex mange, which turned his skin raw and inflamed. Despite his suffering, the pup, later named Goulash, never gave up hope. Fortunately, Rochelle Steffen, founder of Mac’s Mission, saw his photo on Facebook and immediately knew she had to act.
“When a dog has Demodex mange, it’s like their skin is melting off,” Steffen explained to The Dodo. “Finding any dog in this condition is pure neglect. He was quiet and shut down from the pain but still wagged his tail.”
At Mac’s Mission’s rescue center in Missouri, Goulash began his recovery. He received medication to eliminate the mites, soothing baths to heal his skin, and unwavering care from volunteers. “One of our specialties is mange,” Steffen said. “These dogs have some of the most beautiful transformations we see.”
Goulash’s transformation was already underway, but his journey took a heartwarming turn when a volunteer decided to foster him. In her home, Goulash experienced warmth and love for the first time. He slept on soft beds, enjoyed cuddles, and discovered the joys of being part of a family.
“He loves car rides, food, toys, and snuggling,” his foster mom shared. “He sleeps in bed with me every night, snores like a grown man, and is the gassiest dog I’ve ever had. But he’s the most loving dog I’ve ever met.”
As his skin healed and his fur grew back, Goulash’s sweet personality shone even brighter, turning him into a happy and handsome dog. His transformation was astonishing, leaving behind his dark past for a life full of joy and love.
When the time came to find Goulash a forever home, it was clear he was already where he belonged. His foster family, unable to part with him, officially adopted him.
“His future now is full of love, play, and family,” Steffen said. “Goulash is living his happily ever after.”