Valley Animal Center: Siberian Husky Left to Suffer with Severe Skin Infection

May 18, 2024 | 2024 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures, Pets

by Juan Guitron, Valley Animal Center Content Creator

In March, our hearts were touched as we welcomed a precious soul into our care: Frijolito (27905), a 3-year-old Siberian Husky.

His skin condition spoke volumes about the loneliness and neglect he had endured. “He could have been abandoned wandering the streets or neglected by his previous owner,” said animal care operations supervisor, Maritza Lopez.

Frijolito

Alone and without anyone to care for him, Frijolito’s appearance reflected a heartbreaking reality, one where his well-being and happiness had been overlooked and ignored.

Frijolito was suffering from untreated demodectic mange, caused by skin mites. When addressed promptly, it can be resolved with minimal discomfort for your pet.

“If treated early, before he developed a secondary skin infection, his treatment would consist of a pill given once a month for three months, and we would call it a day,” said Lopez.

Frijolito before treatment

His condition had been allowed to deteriorate, either by his previous owner or during his time living on the streets. His treatment required more extensive care than usual.

Frijolito’s case demanded a different approach. He had to be sedated and, sadly, shaved to address the painful sores hidden beneath his matted fur.

“We did not want to shave Frijolito. You’re not supposed to shave huskies,” said Lopez. “But we had no other choice in order to treat him. That’s how bad it was.”

Though Frijolito is now on the road to recovery, the damage to his skin follicles has left his regrowing fur patchy in some areas, and we are uncertain if it will ever fully return.

Despite the horrors he has faced, Frijolito remains a happy dog, eager to meet new people and embrace life to the fullest, as huskies are known to do.

Frijolito is now available for adoption, and if you are interested in welcoming this resilient pup into your home, you can begin the adoption process on our website and schedule an appointment to meet him.

You can also stop by our dog adoption center any day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to meet him.

Thanks to the kindness of our adoption sponsor, Patricia Wynne, in honor of Kenneth Hart and their beloved fur babies Elliott and Fiona, all adult dog and cat adoptions are now donation-based for the remainder of the year!

Your generous contributions enable us to provide the extra care and attention that dogs like Frijolito desperately need to restore their trust in humanity.

Visit our website to donate at valleyanimal.org. Your support means the world to us and to the animals we serve. Thank you for your continued kindness and support.

Valley Animal Center proudly announces the launch of its exciting monthly canine pop-up event, on May 25th, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Teaming up with Treats by Chris, the Center extends a warm invitation to all dog enthusiasts to join in on the fun.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Valley Animal Center every month, and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group.