A good Samaritan found an abandoned family of dogs, with one of the puppies in need of medical care. She brought him to us at Viewmont Animal Hospital in North Carolina, where our team found a list of serious health issues: mange, intestinal parasites, an infected umbilical hernia, and cryptorchidism.

“He didn't have much hair on him, and the small amount he did have was falling out,” recalls Morgan Alewine, Client Service Representative at Viewmont. “He also smelled awful and was covered in scabs.”

The dog, who we named Rufus, quickly won the hearts of our Viewmont team. After a tough year with Hurricane Helene and the challenge of not being able to be together, Rufus reminded us that joy can come even in the darkest moments.

Rufus required daily special baths to treat his skin condition and soothe his discomfort. Several of our team members even opened up their homes to foster him while he recovered. As his health continued to improve, Morgan realized she had an undeniable bond with him and decided to adopt him.

“It had been a while since I had a dog, but I knew it was meant to be with Rufus,” Morgan said. “He reminded me about the simple joys of being a dog mom, and he's made me feel even more connected to my work.”

Today, thanks to the team’s dedicated care, Rufus is completely transformed.

His once-infected hernia is gone, his skin has healed, and his coat is now soft and shiny. Most importantly, Morgan says Rufus’ loving, goofy personality has remained unchanged.

Our commitment to assisting animals, such as Rufus, is a daily source of inspiration for us. The positive outcomes stemming from Rufus' treatment further enhance our determination to provide support and care to animals in need.