Meet Julia, The Abandoned Dog People Were Afraid Of Because She Looked Like A Wolf

puppies
December 20, 2017

The Heroes of "Hope For Paws" have done it again. Hope For Paws is a non-profit organization that rescues abandoned and abused animals. They created Hope For Paws to help animals who suffer and die every year because of neglect and abuse. One day they got a frantic call about a "wolf" wandering the streets of Los Angeles. Immediately they sprang into action and headed out to see what they could do. When they arrived on the scene they saw the wolf.

Lisa Chiarelli was first on the scene. She was able to trap the dog in a fenced yard. As the team examined the animal from a distance they noticed a tattered rope attached to her neck. She was dirty and covered with infection, but they realized they were not dealing with a wolf as they were told, but a lost or abandoned dog. 

They were able to earn her trust by feeding her treats. The team named her "Julia." "Even though Julia was so skinny and starved, she took food so gently," said Hope for Paws founder, Eldad Hagar. After 20 minutes, Julia finally felt safe enough to let Lisa slip the Lucky Leash around her neck. As she walked to the car, it was clear that Julia was in a lot of pain. They transported her to the vet and she underwent a full examination. Julia suffered from mange, multiple bacterial infections, and malnutrition.

"This poor girl was so swollen from infections," Eldad said. "She was bleeding, pus was oozing from everywhere, and it's hard to see because of this coat, but she is just skin and bones." It was clear Julia was not in good shape and was in need of some TLC.

Lisa and the team treated her to a nice bath and some pampering. "As Lisa grabbed a towel, Julia just rested her head on Lisa's arm," Eldad wrote. "She was happy it was over."  But even in her pain and confusion, the pup had already learned that the humans around her could be trusted to help. Turns out she is a sweet and loving German Shepard/Husky mix.

Eldad explained, “Julia has special, calm, wise eyes.” He continued, “I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s something so special.” She is only two years old, but such an old soul," Eldad said. "I can't even imagine what she had gone through during all this time since she was born."

Once Julia is fully recovered, she will be placed in a foster home through A.R.T. and Paws Animal Rescue. Julia is proof of the amazing work that rescuers at Hope For Paws do every day to help animals.

We believe every animal deserves a loving, forever home. If you are in the market for a new cat or dog, please check with your local animal shelters. There are plenty of animals out there, just like Julia, who need a second chance at life. Watch Julia’s rescue, below.