She Had No Fur, No Family, and Just Days to Live—Then Everything Changed
Lucha, a 9-month-old Staffordshire Terrier mix, was found abandoned in a Houston park in Texas—an area sadly known as a common dumping ground. When she arrived at BARC Animal Shelter on May 2, her skin was in such terrible condition that she was nearly hairless. (Watch Video Below)
@bristexastails Lucha is going to have the best glow up 🥺 If you are interested in helping Lucha please reach out via Instagram, I am going to be actively searching for a foster and rescue for her tonight! #adoptdontshop #lucha #rescuedog #shelterdog #houston #houstontx ♬ original sound – emileeflood
Her heartbreaking state moved shelter volunteers, including Bri, who shared Lucha’s story on social media. Bri pointed out a painful truth: dogs like Lucha, no matter how sweet and loving, are often overlooked simply because of how they look.
Time Was Running Out for Lucha
Lucha was put on a stray hold at the Houston shelter for a few days before being moved to the adoption floor. But according to Bri, the dog wasn’t likely to find any adoption interest because of her skin and furless body.
Bri’s words rang true when, just a few days after arriving at the crowded shelter, Lucha was given an euthanasia deadline — May 7. Desperate to save her, Bri had to urge her followers to come forward to foster the little dog and give her a chance at life.
40 Pounds of Sweetness
In the meantime, Bri slowly earned Lucha’s trust through small but meaningful acts of kindness. Knowing how vulnerable hairless dogs are to the cold, she brought Lucha a cozy new blanket. When the 40-pound pup saw her gift, she gave a tiny tail wag—a flicker of joy and gratitude.
Bri then dressed her in soft, green pajamas with a matching necklace, finally letting Lucha’s sweet personality shine through her fragile appearance.
Once warm and comfortable, the Staffie mix snuggled with Bri, showing just how affectionate and tender she truly is. All she needs is a loving home, and the dog will certainly blossom into a wonderful companion.
Saved Just In Time
Then, just before her scheduled euthanasia date, Lucha’s fate took a miraculous turn. Thanks to the dedication of BARC volunteers like Bri, her story reached over 181,000 people on TikTok and received more than 51,000 likes.
In a heartwarming update, Bri shared that Lucha was no longer at risk—she had been pulled from the shelter and placed in the care of Strong Paws Rescue, a New York–based animal rescue.
Now safe, warm, and finally in a foster home, Lucha is beginning her journey of healing. With time and love, she has every chance to become the perfect companion.
Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka remarks, “Sometimes, a dog may not look its best, but that doesn’t have anything to do with their capacity to love. Lucha is the perfect example of that.”
