Who wouldn’t be a bit surprised when a pile of fur started moving toward you?
What began as an ordinary walk for Atlanta, Ga., pet owner DJ Bae (her radio name), and her little Yorkie, Prince, became anything but ordinary. It started with a shapeless pile of fur that began moving toward her. When she spotted the peculiar shape in the distance, she hesitated. But it kept coming to her, and there was no stopping it.
The figure had looked unidentifiable at first, but the wagging of a scruffy, but friendly, tail gave it away — a dog. Curious and concerned, she approached, not knowing that moment would lead to a new family member. The dog, a small white pup, appeared to be in terrible condition. His matted fur hung thick over his eyes, and his back legs moved stiffly, giving the impression of serious health issues.
From left, Lucky prior to his bath and shaving, and then a very happy Lucky with way less fur. Photo from TikTok
But what truly caught DJ Bae’s attention, she said, was the dog’s persistence. The matted puppy followed her and Prince, refusing to be left behind. Realizing he needed help, DJ Bae said she knew she couldn’t walk away and leave him.
@djbae__ He followed me and Prince home! I dont want to keep him but i do want to help find him a good home!!! #dog #atlanta #fyp ♬ original sound – Djbae
With the assistance of her mom, DJ Bae began the task of shaving off the dog’s thick, dirty, wool-like fur. What they uncovered beneath was startling. His stiff back legs weren’t due to injury but from the excessive weight of his matted fur. The neglected pup was painfully thin — his ribs and spine were visible to the touch — and his long nails added to his discomfort.
Determined to help, DJ Bae shared the dog’s journey on social media, where her audience quickly rallied around her. One viewer, moved by the story, offered free grooming services through their mobile business, Canine Confetti. After a much-needed grooming session, the pup was visibly more comfortable and revealed to be in even worse shape than initially thought.
DJ Bae updated the dog’s condition for her followers. “At that time we couldn’t tell whether anything…was like his leg was like broken but as I said to you before, the hair was so thick on his leg, it really was like a coat. Like he was wearing a coat on top of a coat,” she said. “His nails were extremely long. You could literally just feel his spine, you could see his ribs. He just was really skinny. Really malnourished.”
He was extremely hungry, oh my goodness the boy can eat.”
The dog, now named Lucky thanks to DJ Bae’s mom, was soon taken to the vet. Lucky received vaccinations, treatment for a skin infection, and care for a broken dew claw. The vet estimated Lucky’s age to be between 4 and 6 years, although DJ Bae suspects he might be younger, given his healthy teeth and high energy.
@djbae__ S/O to my mama bear!! She came through and helped clean him up a bit!! I have found a mobile groomer and hes getting groomed tomorrow!! #fyp #atlanta ♬ original sound – Djbae
“He really acts like a baby. He’s a ball of energy. All he wants to do is play,” DJ Bae said. “He really acts like a baby. He’s a ball of energy. All he wants to do is play, he harasses Prince…he harasses Prince. Prince could be sleep, he goes to Prince bed like ‘hey play with me,” she said.
The resigned dog mom said that although she hadn’t planned on keeping Lucky after she first found him, all of this time spent with the happy dog has made her reconsider. Meanwhile, Lucky is settling into his new life, showing signs of being housebroken and learning quickly how to interact with his new brother. With the help of an Amazon Wishlist, supporters have been sending gifts to make Lucky’s new home more comfortable. And, with a little more luck, this pup will stay a permanent member of DJ Bae’s family.
Source: Upworthy
