Leo’s Transformation: From Mange to Magnificent


When Leo arrived at Ruff Ranch Sanctuary, he was almost unrecognizable as the fluffy dog he would eventually become.
He came to us through Rescue and RemEmber in Wytheville, Virginia, an incredible rescue that helps dogs coming from some very difficult situations. Leo had been living in a home without electricity and was suffering from a terrible case of mange. Much of his fur was gone, his skin was raw and irritated, and he was constantly scratching and itching. He was miserable and desperately needed some relief.
We brought Leo to Ruff Ranch and got to work helping him heal. With veterinary care, treatment, good food, and plenty of time to recover, his skin began to improve and his fur slowly started growing back.
And it kept growing.
Today, it’s hard to believe he’s the same dog. Leo’s DNA tells us he’s a Husky mix, and apparently those Husky genes were just waiting for their chance to shine. He now has a huge, thick, beautiful coat that makes his before-and-after photos pretty remarkable.
Leo also needed extensive dental care and ultimately had most of his teeth removed. That hasn’t slowed him down one bit.
These days, Leo spends his time enjoying the good life at Ruff Ranch. He has plenty of room to explore, soft places to sleep, dog friends to hang out with, and perhaps most importantly, a devoted feline fan club. Our cats absolutely love him and regularly curl up with him for a nap.
Leo came to us uncomfortable, nearly hairless, and in need of a safe place to recover. He found that and something even better: a permanent home.
For dogs like Leo, sanctuary isn’t simply a place to stay. It’s a chance to finally feel good, feel safe, and enjoy being exactly who they are.
And in Leo’s case, it turns out who he is happens to be very, very fluffy.


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