From Matted and Miserable to Beautiful and Beloved — Woolly’s Incredible Transformation
A few months ago, a Good Samaritan walked into Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) carrying something that broke everyone’s hearts — a tiny, severely matted dog who could barely lift her head.
The stranger gently asked if the shelter had room for “just one more.” Without hesitation, the staff said yes.
“Someone brought in this tiny, matted pup they found,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “Of course, we said YES! We’ll get this little lady all fixed up.”
The rescue team named her Woolly, inspired by the thick, tangled layers of fur that completely covered her frail body. Beneath those mats, no one could see what kind of dog she was — or how much she was suffering.
When the team began her medical exam, their hearts sank.
“This poor, tiny 10-pound pup is being eaten alive and infested with maggots,” SRSL shared on their website.
Despite her pain, Woolly’s eyes were gentle — as if she knew she was finally safe. The team immediately got to work.
For hours, they carefully shaved away clumps of filthy, matted fur, working slowly so they wouldn’t hurt her delicate skin. As the heavy mats fell to the floor one by one, a new little dog began to emerge.
By the end, Woolly was almost unrecognizable — nearly hairless, but finally free.
Unfortunately, the condition of her skin beneath the fur told another story. It was inflamed, raw, and severely infected. But SRSL’s veterinarians were determined to help her heal. They created a custom treatment plan with antibiotics, medicated baths, and gentle care.
And soon, the best news of all came — Woolly found a medical foster home, where she could recover in peace.
“[This] little angel is being picked up shortly to go to a medical foster home, so she doesn’t have to be in the loud, scary shelter,” SRSL posted. “We want her to be as comfortable as she’s ever been!”
Two days later, Woolly was curled up in her new bed, sleeping soundly for what was likely the first time in months.
“Last night was the best night of sleep she’s had in a loooooooong time,” SRSL wrote. “She’s clean, she’s FREE, and she’s been nothing but sweet and grateful. What a doll!”
Over the next few weeks, Woolly blossomed. Her foster mom, Anne, fell in love instantly. Every day, Woolly grew stronger, happier, and more playful.
“We hit the jackpot when we took Woolly home. She is a dream dog,” Anne wrote to the SRSL team. “She’s healing and is so happy.”
Videos of Woolly joyfully playing with her new dog sister melted hearts online. The once-unrecognizable stray had become a confident, loving pup who adored everyone she met.
Just a little over two months after her rescue, Woolly officially found her forever home — and her transformation was complete.
Her fur grew back soft and shiny, her eyes sparkled with life, and her tail never stopped wagging.
“Woolly arrived at the shelter unrecognizable as a schnauzer,” SRSL wrote. “She’s an ‘I can’t believe that’s the same dog’ dog. THIS is why fostering shelter dogs matters! Woolly is living her dream life.”
Now, instead of being weighed down by filth and pain, Woolly spends her days chasing toys, cuddling on the couch, and soaking up endless love — the kind she had always deserved.