The Kentucky Humane Society is the state’s largest pet adoption agency and spay/neuter provider, and they’ve helped countless abandoned animals over the years.
But when a tiny pink creature stumbled into their care, they could hardly believe their eyes.
When a scabby, pink-skinned puppy wandered into the Kentucky Humane Society in April, no one was sure if he’d make it. Just 3 months old, the stray was covered in painful sores and visibly suffering. But behind the raw, inflamed skin and timid frame, there was something else — hope.
The veterinary team saw it in his eyes. And despite the heartbreak of his condition, they decided to fight for him. They named him Wilbur, after the beloved pig in Charlotte’s Web — a name that would come to reflect his entire journey.
Wilbur was quickly diagnosed with demodectic mange, a severe skin condition caused by mites, along with giardia, an intestinal parasite that left him weak and dehydrated and with no fur. His condition was so fragile that he couldn’t even be near other dogs due to the high risk of infection.
“Wilbur was quite shy when he first arrived at our Sam Swope Treatment and Lifesaving Center,” said Jen Harris, the PR coordinator for the Kentucky Humane Society, while speaking with The Dodo.
“Every touch or slight movement caused this poor baby immense pain.”
Still, Wilbur’s healing began the moment he walked through their doors.
He was immediately placed on pain medication to help him rest. The staff gently bathed him in medicated water, started antibiotics and dewormers, and tenderly cleaned his raw skin.
“Despite all of this pain, he remains patient and gentle when handled, as if he knows we’re here to help,” the Kentucky Humane Society shared on Facebook. “Thankfully, he seems to enjoy the warm water and loving touch!”
Wilbur had likely spent his whole life alone on the streets. At the shelter, the team surrounded him with everything he never had — warm food, clean water, cozy sweaters to soothe his irritated skin, and most importantly, love.
His body slowly responded. A soft layer of fuzz began covering his skin. Instead of flinching from human contact, Wilbur began leaning in for cuddles. He even welcomed daily lotion rubdowns as part of his healing routine.
Wilbur was placed with a foster family where his personality truly bloomed.
“He gained his confidence practically overnight,” Harris said. “He loved to spend time outside with his foster siblings rolling around in the grass. It was so wonderful seeing Wilbur transform into a happy and playful puppy after everything he’s endured.”
Within a month, the little pink pup who once looked more piglet than dog was almost unrecognizable — a healthy, fawn-colored sweetheart with bright eyes and a wagging tail.
On May 20, Wilbur’s story came full circle.
He was adopted into a loving forever home, where he now spends his days playing with his new siblings and soaking up affection.
“We knew after seeing the first picture of him on KHS’ Instagram that we wanted him,” Wilbur’s new family shared. “We thought Wilbur would fit right in with our family. As soon as we met him in person, there was no doubt!”
Jen Harris couldn’t have put it better: “Just like Wilbur triumphs at the end of the book, our boy Wilbur triumphed over his trauma and became a ‘radiant’ puppy!”
And for everyone who followed his journey, Wilbur is proof that with care, compassion, and second chances — miracles really do happen. A huge thank-you also goes out to the Kentucky Humane Society for the incredible work they do every day to help the animals who need it most.
