When a 3-month-old puppy arrived at the Kentucky Humane Society in heartbreaking condition, the veterinary staff wasn’t sure if he’d survive.
Covered in scabs, hairless, and swollen from mange, the tiny stray looked more like a piglet than a pup — so they named him Wilbur, after the beloved pig in Charlotte’s Web.
Though his body was raw and bright pink from demodectic mange, and he was battling a nasty intestinal parasite called giardia, Wilbur’s eyes were filled with something stronger than pain: hope.
“Every touch or slight movement caused this poor baby immense pain,” said Jen Harris, PR coordinator for the Kentucky Humane Society. “He was so shy when he first arrived.”
Still, the team refused to give up on him.
Wilbur was immediately started on pain medication, antibiotics, dewormers, and medicated baths to begin soothing his irritated skin. Staff gently cleaned away scabs and mites, careful not to hurt the frail puppy further.
Even in discomfort, Wilbur remained calm and trusting.
“Despite all of this pain, he remains patient and gentle when handled,” the team shared on Facebook. “Thankfully, he seems to enjoy the warm water and loving touch!”
Believed to have spent his entire short life surviving on the streets, Wilbur was finally safe. He was given soft sweaters to protect his healing skin, warm beds to rest in, and plenty of nutritious food and clean water. Most importantly, he was showered with affection and care.
Slowly, Wilbur began to heal.
Soft fuzz returned to his skin, and the once withdrawn puppy began seeking cuddles from his caregivers. With each day, the “little piglet” transformed — into a strong, affectionate, fawn-colored pup with a radiant spirit.
When Wilbur moved in with a foster family, he blossomed even more.
“He gained his confidence practically overnight,” Harris said. “He loved rolling around in the grass with his foster siblings. It was so wonderful seeing Wilbur become a happy and playful puppy.”
Just one month after his arrival, Wilbur was completely unrecognizable. On May 20, he officially found his forever family, who had fallen for him the moment they saw his picture.
“There was no doubt once we met him in person — Wilbur was meant to be part of our family,” they shared.
Now, Wilbur is living the joyful life he always deserved, surrounded by love, toys, and canine siblings. And just like his namesake in Charlotte’s Web, this Wilbur proved to be truly “radiant.”
To support more transformations like Wilbur’s, you can follow the Kentucky Humane Society’s work on Facebook here or make a donation to help animals in need.
