Dog looks like a werewolf when rescued: But today he is unrecognizable

Jefferson County (Missouri) - What a bitter sight: When a few people rescued this poor dog from the streets of Jefferson County, Missouri, in July, they didn't realize what breed he was. Even at the Stray Rescue of St. Louis, where they brought him, the caretakers called him Lycan, which is short for lycanthrope or werewolf. The male dog was suffering from hair loss due to a serious illness. His skin looked almost petrified. But today the world looks completely different - Lycan is no longer recognizable.

Before that, however, the dog had to go through a lot. Tests revealed that Lycan was suffering from scabies, which causes constant itching - and is highly contagious.

"Because the infection was so bad, he needed antibiotics and medicated baths," said Natalie Thomson, head of communications at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, speaking to The Dodo this week.

"His first bath he was so scared he was screaming and crying. It broke our hearts, but we knew it would help him feel better," said the animal rights activist.

Lycan had to be isolated for two weeks because he was so contagious. The keepers were only able to pet the four-legged friend with the appropriate protective equipment.

It took another few weeks for his fur to grow back and for it to slowly become clear which breed he actually belonged to.

It gradually became clear that Lycan was a husky. The first indication of this was his left eye, which is blue. The other has the usual brown color that most dogs have.

But in the end, of course, it's not just outward appearances that matter. "This guy has the sweetest personality," Thomson gushed to The Dodo.

"He's gentle but craves love. He was the best patient, always trusted us and held still for us as if he knew we were helping him," she added.

Despite all the euphoria, the knot still hasn't burst. So Lycan is still waiting for a new home.