Steven has always dreamed of a forever home.
However, at only five months old, he found himself in a high-euthanasia Texas shelter, far from ever having that chance.
The day he was admitted, Steven was diagnosed with a severe case of mange, which made his face look all swollen and crusty.
Given the shelter’s policy, this sweet boi was only days away from being put to eternal sleep. Luckily, another Texas rescue met him just in time – and changed his whole world for the better!
He Was On The Edge
The Austin Pets Alive rescuers were conducting their regular visit to a local shelter when Steven caught their attention. Sarah Muirhead, a member of the staff, immediately fell in love with his sweet demeanor.
She couldn’t turn away from him for one moment, and when she found out that he was about to be euthanized, she decided to act – immediately.
Steven suffered from a serious case of demodectic mange. The shelter explained that his condition had progressed so far that he even groaned in pain. His facial skin was severely inflamed and appeared swollen shut.
“His original shelter noted he “appeared to be groaning due to pain, with the skin on his face so inflamed that his eyelids were swollen shut,” APA stated in a Facebook post.
Instead of leaving him to wait for his inevitable end, Sarah decided to give Steven one more chance at life. She took him in on a foster basis overnight, but this lovely little pup ended up receiving so much more!
Sarah treated him with a series of medications, including oral, pain, and topical meds, along with fish oil and anti-itch meds for Steven’s inflamed skin.
On top of that, she showered him with TLC – and in return, Steven blossomed into the sweetest lovebug. What was meant to be only one night turned out to be a whole month as he was the easiest dog to foster, ever!
This Is Steven Today
Thanks to Sarah’s dedicated efforts, not only did Steven manage to recover from mange, but he fully blossomed into a brand-new pup.
It took him a little over three weeks to grow new fur, and now he looks better than ever.
On top of everything, Steven is truly the epitome of a great companion.
He has already learned how to sit, follow commands, and play with toys.
“This little bundle of joy is almost fully housetrained and already knows how to sit like a pro. He loves to play with toys and will keep you entertained for hours. Steven is currently being treated for mange, but don’t worry-it’s not contagious, “ APA wrote in Steven’s profile.
Steven fully came out of his shell with Sarah’s help, and he’s not intending to slow down – ever again!
For now, he’s enjoying his foster home, but what he really needs is a family to love and care for him. The shelter explains that this little lovebug is perfect for homes of all kinds, including those with kids and other animals.
“Steven would fit well in ANY home and loves to be around people (including kids) and other dogs,” the Texas rescue added.
When the time comes, there’s no doubt that Steven will make some hoomans really happy, as that’s just the way he rolls!