Some people see a sick, homeless, unsightly dog and think, “Somebody should just put that poor animal out of her misery.” Thankfully, there are many more people who spring into action and do all they can to save pets in need.

Consider the story of Stella. When this stray American Staffordshire Terrier puppy arrived at New Hope, a placement department within New York City’s Animal Care & Control, she looked horrific. Suffering from an extreme case of demodex mange, her hair was all but gone, and her poor skin was severely inflamed and covered in painful lesions.

How would anyone ever want to adopt this poor, pathetic, sick little pup?

Luckily for Stella, she was transferred to North Shore Animal League America’s Port Washington, New York, campus.

“She was so scared and timid when she came in, and her skin just left her in absolute discomfort,” said NSALA veterinarian, Dr. Gerald Laheney. “To alleviate her from that was a total team effort from our veterinary staff, technicians, groomers, volunteers, and kennel staff.”

It took three months of extensive treatment and loving rehabilitation, but Stella made a complete recovery. The sweet puppy’s hair grew back, and you could finally see the beautiful dog she really was. And once she was no longer in pain, the puppy’s true personality began to shine: sweet, playful, and outgoing.

“To look back on the condition she was in when she arrived compared to how she looks and acts now, it’s very gratifying to all of us,” Dr. Laheney said.

The best part? Stella was adopted! The darling little puppy is now home forever with new pet parents Catherine Bull and her boyfriend, Chris Webster.

The couple had been looking to adopt for a while, but hadn’t found the right match until they randomly saw Stella out for a walk at North Shore Animal League. They were inexplicably drawn to the puppy. They just had to meet her.

“We went and sat down with her on a bench, and she jumped right into my lap, curled up, put her head down, and fell asleep,” Bull said. “She has such amazing, soulful eyes, and was one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met.”

The bond was forged immediately. The couple adopted her right then and there.

Once homeless and unwanted, sick and scared, Stella now lives the good life with Bull, Webster, and their two other dogs, Bulldogs Zoey and Lucy. All thanks to the wonderful people who rescued her and helped her heal, and the loving family who brought her home.

Top photo: Stella with her new family members, Catherine Bull and Chris Webster.