In a quiet Missouri neighborhood last month, residents began noticing a lonely puppy wandering their street. Her skin was raw and patchy, and though neighbors tried to help with food and water, her condition only worsened.
Eventually, they realized no one was coming for her — so they called Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL).
“They noticed her skin was increasingly getting worse, but they didn’t know what to do,” SRSL later shared. “Her skin felt like fire.”
When the rescue team arrived, they quickly spotted the mange-covered pup, later named Devonna. As they carried her to safety, two more little faces suddenly peeked out from the same yard.
“They were living in an empty outdoor pool, with fencing around it,” SRSL wrote. “They popped up like, ‘Wait! What about us?’ Their skin was crusty, hot pink — they were suffering too.”
The rescuers couldn’t leave the others behind. Soon, all three pups — Devonna, Portia, and Rowland — were loaded into the car. But as they drove to safety, it became clear just how much Devonna was struggling.
“She kept drifting off to sleep but would never let herself get comfortable,” SRSL said. “How can she, when she’s so uncomfortable in her skin?”
At the shelter’s clinic, veterinarians diagnosed the trio with demodex mange, a non-contagious but painful condition. Devonna’s case was the most severe, requiring long-term treatment.
“Her healing journey will take more time,” the team shared, “but she’s already showing us incredible bravery.”
After a week of medicated baths, Devonna was strong enough to move into a medical foster home, where she could continue treatment while finally experiencing the comfort of a quiet, loving environment.
On February 16, she met her foster mom — and for the first time, Devonna had a soft bed, gentle hands, and the safety to truly rest.
“We love seeing her snuggled up, dreaming and healing,” SRSL wrote. “Soon, she’ll have the shiniest, most beautiful fur coat.”
And they were right. Just weeks later, Devonna returned to the shelter for a check-up — and no one could believe their eyes.
“She is unrecognizable!” SRSL posted. “Her brindle coat, her white-tipped toes, those bright eyes … this is an emotional moment.”
In just over a month, Devonna went from suffering in silence to blossoming into a healthy, joyful pup. Now, she’s ready to find a forever family of her own.
“She would be successful in most homes, as she is so kind and gentle,” said Natalie Thomson, SRSL’s chief communications officer. “She loves other animals and all people.”
For Devonna, the days of being “uncomfortable in her own skin” are finally behind her — and ahead lies the love, stability, and family she has always deserved.
To help dogs like Devonna get the care they need, you can donate to Stray Rescue of St. Louis here.
To inquire about adopting Devonna, you can contact Stray Rescue of St. Louis here.
