This 12-Year-Old Dog Was Ignored by Everyone—Until a Miracle Makeover Changed Everything!
When Ruthie was found, she was wandering the streets, dazed and alone. She’d been at the shelter for about three weeks by the time I met her, but potential adopters kept passing her by, most likely because she’s a senior. Seeing her curled up in her kennel, looking defeated, broke my heart. She’d all but given up hope, but I knew there was still a spark in her. Today, Mel, the shelter groomer at Animal Friends of the Valleys, and I decided Ruthie needed a special makeover to remind her – and everyone else – of how beautiful she truly is.
A Much-Needed Makeover
From the moment Mel saw Ruthie, she could tell that beneath the matted fur and tired eyes was a sweet dog just waiting to feel good again. “She’s going to look so good cleaned up,” Mel said with a smile. As Mel began trimming Ruthie’s tangled hair, I was amazed at how trusting Ruthie was, even as her little paws were clipped and her fur was brushed out. She was calm, almost as if she knew Mel was there to help her. I think Ruthie sensed the love and care we were offering her.
Discovering Ruthie’s Health Issues
During the bath, Mel noticed something off. One of Ruthie’s eyes had a yellow discharge, possibly from an infection. I felt a pang of concern, but thankfully, the shelter was ready to step in with pain meds to help her out. Despite the eye infection, Ruthie seemed completely relaxed, enjoying the warm water as Mel bathed her. She was even starting to doze off—it was clear this bath was the most peace she’d felt in a long time.
I watched as Mel had to hold Ruthie up during the bath because she was literally falling asleep in the warm water. I couldn’t help but smile as Ruthie let out soft, contented grunts while being towel-dried. It was like watching a little dog start to trust again. When the dryer came out, she wasn’t too thrilled, especially when the air blew in her face. Still, she handled it like a champ.
A New Look and a New Hope
Once the grooming was almost done, Mel focused on cleaning up the fur around Ruthie’s eyes to avoid irritation as her eye healed. She finished up by trimming Ruthie’s beard and making sure her face looked balanced. And the finishing touch? An adorable little bow on Ruthie’s collar. I could see the difference in Ruthie—she was looking better and feeling better, though she also looked ready for a nap!
Ruthie’s Happy Ending
Here’s the best part of Ruthie’s story: shortly after her makeover, she was rescued by Frosted Faces Foundation! This incredible organization specializes in giving senior dogs a second chance at a happy life, and Ruthie is now living comfortably and loved.
