Zadrigman is used to helping animals in various states of need. As a dedicated dog rescuer in Mexico, there’s hardly a case that surprises him anymore. But when he’d heard from residents in a neighboring town about a supposed “werewolf” roaming the streets,
he was floored by whom he’d found.
There on the streets, just as the locals reported, was a four-legged animal with shaggy fur along her back but bald everywhere else. Her face and legs were covered in dry, scaly skin, and her icy blue eyes stared up at Zadrigman in hopeless desperation.
“It really shocked me to see her in that condition,” Zadrigman told The Dodo in a recent video.
It was one of the worst instances of neglect Zadrigman had ever encountered, as locals started to refer to her as a werewolf because of her skin. And he could tell by her skittish demeanor that winning over the poor girl, who was in serious pain from her severe mange, would be difficult.
“When we arrived, she was actually very scared,” Zadrigman said. “She was so distrustful, but I was sure that with love and care, this would change.”
With a fist full of kibble and a gentle disposition, Zadrigman attempted to approach the pup. The hungry girl sniffed his hand and eventually allowed pets, but she would wince in pain whenever he attempted to grab her. She darted away after each try, ultimately evading Zadrigman’s grasp.
But the rescuer refused to give up. Every time the dog, whom he named Bombón, ran away, he slowly followed her until she realized that he was there to help. Finally, Bombón approached Zadrigman and began eating from the bowl he’d filled.
Bombón scarfed down the food, trusting Zadrigman enough to be lifted into his car and driven to the veterinary clinic. There, she received the medical care she’d so desperately needed, including fluids and skin ointment.
In addition to her medical treatment, the love Bombón received daily accelerated her healing process. It wasn’t long before her crackly skin smoothed over and her fur began to grow back, making her look like an adorable teddy bear.
“Her transformation was so beautiful,” Zadrigman said.
You can watch her transformation here:
Four months after her rescue, Bombón looks and acts like a whole new dog. She’s confident and bubbly, and she finally got the wish she’d been dreaming of: a family of her own.
Now, Bombón spends her days adventuring alongside her loving family, and Zadrigman couldn’t be more pleased with how her life turned out.
“From being on the street, ignored because of her appearance, to the point where now, after four months, she’s been adopted,” Zadrigman said. “She’s happy and has a beautiful family that loves her very much.”
