“She’s a survivor with a heart of gold” 💛
From Bald and Broken to Fluffy and Thriving: The Inspiring Rescue Story of Nala the Puppy
In August, Romanian animal rescuer Georgiana Neagu encountered a puppy whose unique look and heartbreaking condition would capture hearts across the world. The pup, later named Nala, was technically owned — but tragically neglected. Suffering from a severe skin disease and a crippling calcium deficiency, Nala was completely bald, covered in flies, and emotionally shutting down.
“She looked at me with eyes full of desperation, silently begging for help,” Neagu shared on Facebook.
At the time, Nala’s owners refused to surrender her, so Neagu, founder of Saving Orphaned Souls Sheila’s Animal Rescue Mission (SOS ARMS), offered to treat her on-site. Despite regular visits and medical care, Nala’s condition continued to worsen.
“She could barely walk due to a serious calcium deficiency,” Neagu explained. “Her skin was deteriorating rapidly. Emotionally, she was slipping away. I couldn’t bear to watch her suffer anymore — I had to step in.”
Eventually, Nala’s owners agreed to give her up. Neagu rushed the pup to the SOS ARMS headquarters, where a dedicated veterinary team and a welcoming pack of rescued dogs were ready to support her.
A Long Road to Recovery Begins
Nala’s healing journey was anything but easy. Months of intensive treatment targeted her skin condition, fragile bones, and overall malnourishment. Despite her struggles, Nala remained gentle and trusting.
“She never stopped believing in me,” Neagu wrote. “Even when her little body was giving out, her eyes were full of love and faith.”
As time passed, Nala began to transform. Her fur slowly grew back, creating a unique lion-like mane around her still-bald head. While this look became symbolic of her strength, it was only a temporary phase. With continued care and affection, even the fur on her head returned.
A Stunning Transformation: Nala Today
Now fully recovered, Nala is nearly unrecognizable. Her once-bald, sickly frame has blossomed into a fluffy, teddy bear-like figure — full of life, love, and endless charm.
“Today, she’s thriving,” Neagu proudly announced. “She’s soft, stunning, and incredibly sweet. Still growing, still learning, but already overflowing with affection.”
Nala is currently living among the other rescued dogs at SOS ARMS, enjoying playtime, snuggles, and newfound freedom. She has no memory of her painful past — only the joy of the present and the hope of a forever home on the horizon.
“She’s nothing but kindness and heart,” Neagu concluded. “A true survivor with a heart of gold.”