A Loving Couple Took A Stray Dog Off The Streets And Nursed Him Back To Health
Although "adopt don't shop" is a good policy to live by, it's important to know what you're getting into before you adopt an animal. Many dogs who are up for adoption in shelters and foster homes have been through significant trauma. Potential owners have to be sure that they have the patience and the expertise to nurture a pet who's been abused or neglected. Not all dogs in shelters need specialized care, but many of them do.
Wulfgar the husky had a mysterious and complicated past. Luckily for him, a wonderful couple adopted him and helped him through an unbelievable transformation.
Wulfgar Was Living On The Street
This dog was found wandering around a suburban neighborhood in November 2015. When one particular woman heard about the dog and the condition he was in, she wanted to do everything she could to help.
The dog was particularly skittish around men, so the woman assumed that he had been abused by a man in the past. She posted this photo of the dog when she first met him on Imgur with the caption, "as you can see, he's in pretty bad shape in this photo [...] Notice the patchy fur and the visible ribs. He also had a large scar going across his ribs…"
The Dog Was Extremely Malnourished
This woman and her husband decided that they had to take the dog, who they named Wulfgar, back to their home. When they got home, they called the vet to get more information about what they could do to help this very sick husky.
According to the couple, "a normal male husky ranges between 45 and 60 pounds, depending on height. Weighing him at the vet's, he was underweight at 39 pounds. The vet guessed he should have weighed closer to 50 to 55 pounds."
Wulfgar's Coat Was A Disaster
This dog's weight wasn't his only issue. He also had demodectic mange from being out on the streets for so long. Huskies normally have two very thick coats of fur to keep them warm during cold winters. Wulfgar was missing a lot of hair, and his skin was red, dry, and patchy.
His immune system was also very weak, so Wulfgar had to be put on antibiotics and medicated shampoo. Luckily, he didn't have heartworm or fleas.
Wulfgar Finally Gets A Forever Home
The couple was armed with medication, medicated shampoo, and tons of information about how to care for their new family member. They set up a crate for Wulfgar in their room to give their new pet a space he could call his own.
They reported that "he went in without difficulty, which led us to believe he'd been previously crate-trained. We aren't sure of what he went through or where he came from. He wasn't chipped (not that we would have returned him anyway)."
How Could This Purebred Dog Have Ended Up On The Streets?
The couple guessed that Wulfgar had probably lived in a home with an owner at some point in his life. They also guessed that he was probably abused by his owner because he was scared of men and because he had a pretty noticeable scar.
It took a while for Wulfgar to get used to his new home. He had spent a long time on the streets and he wasn't used to being cooped up indoors.
He Needed His Beauty Sleep
Wulfgar spent a lot of time sleeping in the first few days at his new home. He didn't just nap in his kennel or in his dog bed. He napped on any surface that would accomidate his growing body.
The couple figured that this was because he was exhausted from his ordeal and could now nap peacefully without fear. "Now, he primarily naps in his kennel or on a fluffy blanket in the living room," the couple wrote.
Getting Used To His New Home
Wulfgar warmed up to his new home over time, and he was also becoming quite fond of his new owners. He started to like the indoor life and the easy access to quality dog food.
According to the owners, "this is another week later and he's staring at a treat in my hand; sometimes it's the only way to get him to look at the camera." Treats are definitely a luxury that Wulfgar didn't have on the streets.
Wulfgar Loved The Dog Park
Wulfgar's new owners were hesitant to take him to the dog park for the first time. They didn't know how he would behave around other dogs or if he would be aggressive. After Wulfgar's mange cleared up, they decided to introduce him to their local dog park for a trial run.
In typical husky fashion, he was friendly and playful around the other dogs. This was a huge relief to the owners as well as a sign that everything would turn out okay.
He Didn't Even Mind Getting Wet
The dog park near Wulfgar's new home has a pond inside it. While running around with his new doggie friends at the dog park, Wulfgar fell into the pond and didn't even mind! This photo was taken right before Wulfgar shook all that pond water all over his new owner.
Wulfgar's calm behavior surprised his owners. Clearly, this dog had been socialized before. They both wondered what other surprises Wulfgar had in store for them.
A Happy, Healthy Husky
Wulfgar's owners took lots of pictures of him frolicking and playing at the dog park. It's hard to believe that this is the same dog that was so underweight and so hairless just a few weeks ago.
This dog was now living a carefree, happy, healthy life. He was free to play with the other dogs who all had loving homes just like him. Wulfgar's owners were so proud of how far he'd come in such a short amount of time.
Making New Canine Friends
The owners commented on this picture of Wulfgar with other dogs, with this to say about his behavior: "He plays well with most other dogs, provided they're also friendly. Since then we've encountered dogs that are aggressive or bark at him.
He's very quiet as far as huskies go, so he never barks back. He mostly stares in confusion." This is incredible considering all of the confrontations or fights that he may have been involved in while he was surviving on the streets. It shows that his spirit wasn't broken.
Some Dogs Aren't So Friendly
Of course, no matter how friendly Wulfgar was towards other dogs, not all dogs wanted to reciprocate the kindness. Every once in a while, Wulfgar would come across a dog that made it clear that they didn't want to be his friend.
In this case, the couple wrote, "this husky-shepherd mix wasn't too friendly, luckily, Wulfgar didn't seem too upset by it!" Surely, Wulfgar had encountered far more intimidating dogs and other animals during his time on the street.
Another Dog In The Family
While Wulfgar may have had a lot of face time with other dogs at the dog park, it was time for him to meet his owner's in-laws' husky. When he did, he still seemed pretty guarded. Notice how sparse his tail still is here.
It was clear that Wulfgar was still traumatized in some ways by his past experiences. Yet, after a little bit of time, Wulfgar made it very apparent that he wanted to become friends with the other husky.
His Coat Changed Color
As time passed, Wulfgar's hair began to fill in the patches where his irritated skin had been exposed. As the hair grew in, the owners noticed that his color was beginning to change.
His fur had originally been a distinct red color but was now beginning to change to more of a grey and even appeared dark copper in the sunlight. So now, not just emotionally, but physically, Wulfgar was beginning to look like an entirely different dog.
What Wulfgar Looked Like A Month Later
A little over a month after the couple adopted Wulfgar, he really had changed into an entirely different dog. He was nowhere as shy or skittish as when they had first welcomed him into their home.
They also discovered some of his favorite activities, one of which is riding in the car! By this time, he had also managed to put on some much-needed weight although they still had a way to go in that department.
Napping Is Still His Favorite Passtime
While the couple thought that Wulfgar's love for napping was mainly due to exhaustion from his experience of being adopted, they soon learned that was just part of his personality.
The couple wrote that "if there was one thing in the world that Wulfgar loved more than making friends and riding in the car, though, it must have been taking naps!" If dogs feel threatened they never expose their belly, so Wulgar sleeping in this position means that he's happy and at peace.
He Looks At The World Through Attentive Eyes
As Wulfgar's fur thickened and he slowly gained back his weight, his owners noticed how much he likes to observe other people. They claim that "he loves going into the backyard. He likes to sit and observe the other people in the neighborhood.
When people would walk too close, he'd bark. We liked this protective aspect, though now he's much more discerning of strangers." It's cute to think that Wulfgar is just trying to protect his loving family.
An Independent Soul
On this image, the owners commented "I COULD stand like a normal dog but… meh." This is just Wulfgar doing his own thing, whatever makes him comfortable. He may look like a cat, but we all know that he's far from one.
This is just another sign that he is getting along splendidly in his new forever home and feels comfortable enough to do whatever he feels like. Although this may seem like an interesting way for a dog to eat, we've definitely seen weirder.
He's Still Changing And Improving
With each passing day, Wulfgar gets more and more healthy. Even in this picture, it's obvious just how much he has changed since he was adopted from off the streets. Now, his hair has even begun to turn almost black.
The owner notes that "you can really see how his coat darkened in this picture. I'm hoping this is just a winter coat because I loved his red coloring before." Regardless, they're just happy he's recovering smoothly.
Wulfgar Loves Cold Tile Floors
Like many other dogs, Wulfgar loves taking a load off on the cool tile flooring of the house, especially after a long day at the dog park. At times, he can't even keep his eyes open once he lays down on the tile, just like in this picture.
He really must have worked himself out at the dog park this day. Good to know that he's getting the exercise every dog Wulfgar's size needs! This looks like one happy dog!
Car Rides Are Exciting
Not all dogs are as thrilled as Wulfgar to get into the car, but it's one of his favorite things to do. When the car door opens, he hops right in, ready to hit the open road! it doesn't matter where they go, he just enjoys being along for the ride.
Since the owners didn't know anything about his past, it must have been surprising to discover how much he loves riding in cars. Plus, it's something they can treat him to without much effort.
The Dog Park Is His Favorite Place
With the dog park being close to the owners' house, they frequent it regularly. On the way there, they make sure to roll down the windows for Wulfgar so he can soak up all of the sights and smells as they head to his favorite place.
The owners love how close they live to do the dog park so they can regularly exercise Wulfgar and give him the social experiences that he needs to thrive as a dog.
He Knows The Way By Heart
Believe it or not, Wulfgar even has the route to the dog park memorized. Now that's dedication. According to the owners, "As we get closer he starts whining and hopping around in the back seat out of excitement."
We all know that this behavior isn't common for just Wulfgar, as most dogs lose their minds at the sign of a leash. However, it's evidence that regardless of his unfortunate past, he's just like any other dog today.
Wulfgar Looks Different
Along with the thickening and color changes of his fur, other differences in his physical appearance include his stature and especially his tail! While it used to be so slender and hairless, it is now perky and full of fur, signs of a healthy, confident dog.
In just the course of a few months, everything from his mannerisms to his appearance have undergone a significant transformation. Neither the owners or the pup could be happier!
He's Gained A Good Amount Of Weight
During the initial stages of Wulfgar's adoption process, the couple had no idea how well he would fit in with the family. Today, their worries can be put to rest as he fits right in.
He's even become comfortable enough to start breaking some of the family rules such as the 'no people food' policy for dogs. We're sure this isn't the first time that Wulfgar has been sticking his nose somewhere that it shouldn't be!
He Has Those Signature Husky Eyes
These are the eyes of a dog that is thankful for everything that has happened to him since being adopted. If you compare the pictures from when he was first born and today, they look like two entirely different dogs.
Here, he is peaceful and happy when he used to be shy and scared only a few months before. Not only is he a handsome boy, but those eyes are enough to melt any person's heart.
A Transformation For The Ages
On this picture, the owners commented, "my favorite picture of him. He's now a happy, healthy, spoiled dog, and we love him and all the fur he leaves on our clothes." This picture is proof that even the worst-off dogs just need a little love and care to be rehabilitated.
We're so happy that Wulfar went from a suffering dog on the streets to the light of this couple's lives. Now, he lives comfortably and is content -- as every dog should be.
A Shelter Dog Gets A Second Chance
You've probably seen those cute pictures of pit bulls making goofy faces, or you’d come to love the pit bull dogs that have come into your life. You know they’ve got loads of personality, that they’re loyal and friendly dogs, and you probably also know that they get a bad reputation in the world of animal adoptions and with animal ownership in general.
Of course, you’ve gotta ask why a breed would be demonized in such a way, but you’ll also want to learn first-hand how one dog, Sheldon, managed to set himself apart from the masses of pit bulls, to demonstrate his unique personality.
Sheldon's Knowing Stare
So, Sheldon is one of those dogs that have been described as a pit bull, and he arrived at an animal shelter. Even if pit bull dogs didn't statistically make up a larger percentage of shelter dogs (32% in 2014), he also didn’t present himself as friendly. Staff described him as shy, even grumpy. Then again, wouldn’t you be?
No matter how a dog got to the pound or how innocuous their abandonment might have been, it’s not easy for a dog to be stuck in a cage. And, it’s just not a happy situation, no matter how hard the staff tries to make it better, easier, or even enjoyable.
A Shelter Overrun With Cats And Dogs
Even in the best possible situation, a shelter is not where a dog or cat wants to be, particularly not when the animal has obviously been a part of a family in their past, pre-shelter experience. Because of the way he reacted to staff, it was clear that Sheldon had been a part of a family before.
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is a shelter in Phoenix, Arizona, where Sheldon found himself in 2016. As with so many shelters across the country and around the world, they deal with a constant onslaught of new dogs and cats who need care and homes. They also look for volunteers who will work with the animals and help them to cope with the every day, unavoidable situation of being in a pound.
Sheldon's Life In The Shelter
As is the situation with many abandoned and stray pets, Sheldon was sad when he first arrived at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. It was obvious that he'd been in a family who cared about him. He knew how to sit upon command, and he even offered his paw. So, someone in his past must have taught him some tricks and behavioral directive.
Once he arrived at the shelter, though, nobody came to find him. He was left alone, unadopted, and he also didn’t appear to be social, with his sad and shy demeanor. He wasn’t a "bad" or “mean” dog. He just didn’t stand out with all the masses of 600-800 other animals, and he’d soon been at the shelter for a month, without adoption or owner retrieval.
Helping Sheldon Stand Out
Sheldon may have been unwanted and unclaimed by almost everyone, but there was one person who noticed him. Volunteer Heather Haltmeyer was keeping tabs on Sheldon, and it upset her that he was going so long unnoticed. Another 30 days had passed, so he'd been there for 90 days, without anyone showing the slightest interest in adopting or giving him attention.
There are just some animals that stand out. They seem to just need a little bit of help, and perhaps a little bit more attention than the rest. She was willing to help in any way that she could, and that’s why she stepped in to make sure that Sheldon stood out.
Photos That Capture Sheldon's Essense
One of Heather Haltmeyer's duties as a volunteer at the animal shelter was to take photos of the animals. And she took those duties just a little further. Although he wasn’t one of the dogs she regularly took out, he was next to one of them. And, so she noticed him. She said, "I kept seeing him and he kept jumping up and down and wagging his tail in his kennel, like, 'Look at me, look at me.’ He had the most adorable pink little lips."
Who could possibly tell a dog like that no? She certainly couldn’t and didn’t. So, you could say it was Sheldon’s willingness to finally break out of his tough shell-exterior and show he could be friendly that really brought him the attention he so desperately needed.
His Bright Personality Captured On Camera
Of course, Heather Haltmeyer added a bow-tie and immediately saw a different Sheldon shine through. He suddenly appeared to be more mellow, and somehow he even became a kind of "muse." He loved the attention, but more than that, his whole demeanor changed when he was in front of the camera. In some sense, he really came alive!
So, she took a lot of photos of him, and she found that even though he often seemed sad or shy, he really wasn't. In fact, he had a personality all his own, which you can clearly see by just looking at the photos.
A Photogenic Face
Yep, it's true. Heather Haltmeyer found that Sheldon was a photogenic animal and that he absolutely loved being the central focal point of the camera lens. Yes, his quirky character really started shining through more-and-more, even without the bow-tie addition, and she discovered more about who Sheldon really was.
She appears to have been in a bit of awe as she explains, "He seemed to eat it all up." To be clear, as I’m sure you know, not all animals work well in front of the camera. So, Sheldon was something of an anomaly, unique and amazing. Haltmeyer tried to capture that personality, from frowns to goody poses.
As Goofy As Ever
Sheldon's photos were posted to Facebook in January 2017, with the caption: "We may be biased, but we think Sheldon should be a doggy celebrity with all those expressions." It didn’t stop there, though. It went on: “Think of all the fun you could have taking pictures of him if you adopt!”
That was the whole point, right? The photos offered just a few reasons why you might want to adopt him. After all, with a quirky and lovable face like that, who could help but fall in love with him, and want to bring him home? That was the hope, anyway.
More About Sheldon's Progress
As you can see, though, there's also a shot of Sheldon in a car. And, you can see from the series of shots that he plays nicely with others. But, the Facebook post didn’t end there. It said: "Sheldon is a great dog with a great energy level. He’s not crazy hyper, but he’s no slow-poke either. Sheldon is equally happy to sniff around on his own or come over for some pets and attention."
Since some pit bulls have bad reputations as dogs that have too-high energy levels and who are crazy, the post gives you an idea that Sheldon is a companion dog, who will be there for you when you need him.
The Grumpy Old Man Look
Heather Haltmeyer's photos of Sheldon were immediately popular, with well-wishers and fans saying: "He looks a bit like a grumpy old man. Oh, somebody please help him to turn his frown upside down." It appears that a lot of people were listening (and reading) up about Sheldon.
The images and description offered a good sense of who he was and what kind of a companion dog he would be, but the photos also caused at least one person to really fall in love with Sheldon. Who can help but absolutely love that grumpy face and quirky expression? It’s unavoidable, right?!
Emily Is Sheldon's Person
So after all those months of no interest, Sheldon finally was the center of attention, with well-wishers, fans, and friends. For her part, Emily Chmiel admitted: "I fell in love with his serious expressions in his pictures and knew he belonged in my house."
You've gotta know, with the photos you’ve seen so far, that Sheldon was going to continue to be a big ham in front of the camera. That didn’t seem to bother Emily at all. She embraced his personality, and he appears to have made himself right at home. It seems to be the best kind of relationship.
He Finally Found His Forever Home
So, her skills and photographer's eye were successful. Emily Chmiel looked at Sheldon’s mug and fell in love, and then she took him home. Fortunately, though, the story didn’t end there. She gives us a continued sneak-peak into his life and adventures.
Volunteer and Photographer Heather Haltmeyer couldn’t have been more thrilled with the outcome of Sheldon’s case. She says, "I do think the photos are what attracted them, and it feels great." She further explains, “The whole point of it is to get people’s attention and to help dogs stand out that would otherwise kind of get lost in the crowd.”
He Has Another Best Friend
Yes, you'll be happy to hear that he settled right in, and he even got a new name: "Castiel." In case you didn’t know, that’s the name of an angel in the CW show, Supernatural. One of his most memorable traits is the way he’s able to fix his “puppy-dog” eye-gaze on you rendering you helpless.
There’s probably some similarity between the angel-character and Emily’s new adopted pet. Those photos certainly appeared to capture the imaginations, care, and concern of countless fans and friends, and the unique personality that shined through also gained him a forever home and family. It sounds like there’s a great reason for calling him Castiel!
A New Name For A New Life
In case you were wondering how Castiel is taking to his new life with Emily Chmiel, you've only got to see the way he lounges on the couch, completely at ease and content. Emily further reports that he also enjoys exploring her courtyard and that he’s made friends with her many cats (always a positive sign).
She does periodically have to remind him who’s boss, but he hasn’t been part of the family for long, so he’s probably still learning the ropes, and acceptable behavior in the house. It’s all a learning process, after all, and they’re obviously together for the long-haul.
Where To Find Him On Social Media
If you were looking for a way to follow the life and adventures of Castiel, you've also got a quick-and-easy way to plug-in. With such an outpouring of social-media love around her dog, Emily Chmiel has created the "Official Grump Dog" Instagram account for “Cass dog.” The account describes him as: “Judging you always… Professional Grump, Destroyer of Socks.”
She also says: “Will Grip You Tight and Raise You From Pupperdition.” And, yes, she also posts a side-by-side photo with the TV Castiel, in case it wasn’t perfectly obvious, it’s a great way to see why he’s got that name now!
