In Jefferson County, Missouri, two Good Samaritans were stunned when a mysterious creature approached them—what they thought was a dog. This poor animal was nearly hairless, his body covered in scars and scabs. His skin, ravaged by infection, had become so hardened it looked like stone. It was clear he needed immediate help. Determined to make a difference, the Good Samaritans quickly arranged for the dog’s transport to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
When Todd Whiteaker, a volunteer with Stray Rescue, arrived to pick up the suffering dog, something remarkable happened. As soon as he opened the car door, the dog wasted no time and leaped over Todd into the passenger seat, curling up beside him as if he'd already found comfort and trust.
At the rescue, tests revealed the dog was suffering from a severe case of scabies, a contagious mite infestation that causes relentless itching and irritation. His skin was in such bad condition that it required antibiotics and medicated baths. According to Natalie Thomson, the chief communications officer for Stray Rescue, the dog was terrified during his first bath, crying and howling in distress. "It broke our hearts," Thomson shared, "but we knew it was necessary to help him heal."
The rescue team named him Lycan, inspired by the mythical werewolf, lycanthrope, due to his unusual appearance. Lycan had to be quarantined for two weeks to prevent spreading the mites, but his hunger for affection never wavered. Despite the need for protective gloves and gowns, Lycan leaned into every touch from his caretakers, desperate for the warmth of human contact. "He just melted at every touch," Thomson recalled.
As his treatment progressed, Lycan’s skin began to heal, and soon it was time for him to leave the clinic and enter foster care. Thomson knew Lycan would thrive in a loving home where he could receive all the attention he craved. “He’s got the sweetest soul,” she said. “He’s gentle, and all he wants is love.”
Enter Todd Whiteaker, who had been following Lycan's journey since the day he brought him to the rescue. Moved by the dog's transformation, Todd stepped up to foster him. In his new temporary home, Lycan began to blossom. Though he struggled with potty training and some separation anxiety, he discovered a love for sunbathing and car rides. Most of all, he adored snuggling up as close as possible to his foster dad.
Three months after his rescue, Lycan is unrecognizable from the wrinkled, scarred dog that first arrived at Stray Rescue. His coat has grown back, his scars are fading, and his spirit is as bright as ever. He has attended several adoption events, though he hasn’t yet found his forever family. But for Lycan, it’s only a matter of time. His rescue team and foster dad are committed to ensuring he finds the perfect home.
"From now on, Lycan will only know unconditional love," Stray Rescue of St. Louis wrote. "His days of pain and loneliness are over. He’s beautiful inside and out, no matter what.”
