Adopting a dog is not always a sure thing. Prior to bringing a dog into your home, it’s practically difficult to know what it’s been through. When it comes to a dog, you never know if it has been abused, lived on the streets, or had any strange experiences that may have influenced its behavior. While some shelters may be able to assist with these inquiries, it’s unlikely that they’ll be able to provide all of the answers. Wulfgar the husky, a dog with a complex and difficult past, was one of those dogs. Fortunately for him and the people who adopted him, all he needed was a little love and care and he was transformed in a blink of an eye.
Finding A Stray Dog
A stray husky had been prowling around their neighborhood in November 2015, according to an Imgur user and her spouse. They wanted to understand more about this canine so they went out to see it for themselves, and they were not disappointed. It was evident that the dog needed assistance when they finally got into contact with him. He was terrified of everyone, but especially the husband of the woman. The couple wrote about it in a post, “as you can see, he’s in pretty bad shape in this photo […] Notice the patchy fur and the visible ribs. He also had a large scar going across his ribs…”
Finding A Stray Dog
He Was Unhealthy
Wulfgar, the pup’s name, was chosen by the couple as they agreed to adopt him. As soon as they saw him, they knew they needed to get him checked out by a vet to see what they could do to bring him back in good health. The couple shared, “a normal male husky ranges between 45 and 60 pounds, depending on height. Weighing him at the vet’s, he was underweight at 39 pounds. The vet guessed he should have weighed closer to 50 to 55 pounds.”
He Was Unhealthy
Damaged Skin
Wulfgar’s fur had been severely damaged when he was on the streets, and he was not only dangerously underweight. The owners of Wulgfar said that “he had demodectic mange. Huskies have two coats, so for his skin to be so red, dry, and patchy, he had to be infected for quite some time. Our poor boy was likely suffering for months.” Wulfgar was also given antibiotics and a medicated wash because his immune system was failing him. Heartworms and fleas were not a problem for him.
Damaged Skin
Bringing Wulfgar Home
It was time for the couple to take the dog home and begin his transitional phase into his new home after a comprehensive and eye-opening checkup. They built up a kennel for him to sleep in as soon as they arrived home. They shared, “he went in without difficulty, which led us to believe he’d been previously crate-trained. We aren’t sure of what he went through or where he came from. He wasn’t chipped (not that we would have returned him anyway).”
Bringing Wulfgar Home
How He Might Have Ended Up On The Streets
Wulfgar had been living on the streets for a long time, and the couple had a few theories as to why. They do believe, however, that he fled from a careless and cruel owner, which could explain his scar. This view was also confirmed by his aversion to men. Wulfgar took some time to adjust to his new surroundings, weeping in his kennel for the first few evenings. Unfortunately, due to his mange, the couple was unable to allow him to sleep in their room at night.
How He Might Have Ended Up On The Streets
Sleeping A Lot
Wulfgar couldn’t seem to stop napping during his first several days at his new home. To make matters worse, he didn’t simply slumber in his cage; he’d do it anywhere there was adequate room for him. Because he was fatigued from his ordeal and could now sleep peacefully without anxiety, the couple assumed. The pair stated, “Now, he primarily naps in his kennel or on a fluffy blanket in the living room.”
Sleeping A Lot
Opening Up
Wulfgar looked to be feeling more and more at ease in his new surroundings as well as with his new owners over time. It wasn’t long before he started to notice and appreciate the minor joys that his new existence had to offer. The owners share, “this is another week later and he’s staring at a treat in my hand; sometimes it’s the only way to get him to look at the camera.”
Opening Up
Going To The Dog Park
Despite their initial reservations, the owners decided to take Wulfgar to the dog park for the first time (under supervision, of course). Mostly, they were worried about how he’d react to other dogs once he’d been out on the street and hoped he wouldn’t get into any problems. Around the other dogs, he was friendly and playful in classic husky fashion. For the owners, this was a big comfort and an indication that everything would be well.
Going To The Dog Park
All Wet
The cutest thing happened while visiting the dog park. Wulfgar was unconcerned about falling into the pond! Fortunately, the owner was able to capture this moment before he shook off and drenched her. For a dog who had only been rescued from the street a few weeks ago, this was a curious behavior. Wulfgar was on the mend, and the owners were looking forward to seeing what he’d come up with next.
All Wet
Being Carefree
While still at the dog park, the owner continued to photograph Wulfgar in order to document his remarkable recovery. It’s lovely to watch a dog who has been through so much and is now enjoying the life of a happy and well-behaved puppy. He may have been one of the dog park’s carefree dogs at one point, but now he’s one of them, and he couldn’t be happier. He was at ease, in good health, and on the way to complete recovery!
Being Carefree
Playing With Other Dogs
In response to this photo of Wulfgar with other dogs, the owners had the following to say about his behavior: “He plays well with most other dogs, provided they’re also friendly. Since then we’ve encountered dogs that are aggressive or bark at him. He’s very quiet as far as huskies go, so he never barks back. He mostly stares in confusion.” This is astounding, especially when you consider all of the fights and confrontations he may have had while surviving on the streets. It demonstrates that he didn’t have a broken spirit.
Playing With Other Dogs
Not As Friendly As Wulfgar
Not all canines, no matter how polite Wulfgar was to other dogs, wished to return his generosity. Every once in a while, Wulfgar would come across a dog that made it apparent that they didn’t want to be his friend. The couple wrote in this circumstance, “this husky-shepherd mix wasn’t too friendly, luckily, Wulfgar didn’t seem too upset by it!” During his time on the street, Wulfgar has undoubtedly encountered far more terrifying dogs and other animals.
Not As Friendly As Wulfgar
Meeting The Family’s Other Dogs
Wulfgar had met a lot of other dogs in the dog park, but it was time for him to meet the husky of his owner’s in-laws. He was still a little guarded when he did. Take a look at how scant his tail is still here. Wulfgar’s earlier experiences had clearly left him traumatized in certain ways. Wulfgar, on the other hand, made it clear after a while that he wanted to be friends with the other husky.
Meeting The Family’s Other Dogs
Wulfgar’s Color Changes
Wulfgar’s hair began to fill in the gaps where his irritated skin had been exposed as time went on. As the hair grew in, the owners observed that his color was beginning to alter. His fur had formerly been a vibrant red, but it was now becoming more of a grey tint, and in the sun, it even looked dark copper. Wulfgar was beginning to look like a completely different dog, not only emotionally, but also physically.
Wulfgar’s Color Changes
After A Month
Wulfgar had transformed into a completely different dog just over a month after the couple adopted him. When they first welcomed him into their home, he was no longer shy or apprehensive. They also discovered that one of his favorite pastimes is riding in a car! He had also managed to gain some much-needed weight by this time, but they still had a long way to go in that department.
After A Month
He Still Loves To Nap
Wulfgar’s fondness of napping was initially assumed to be a result of his fatigue after being adopted, but it soon became clear that it was merely a part of his nature. The couple wrote that “if there was one thing in the world that Wulfgar loved more than making friends and riding in the car, though, it must have been taking naps!” Wulgar resting in this position implies he’s content and at peace because dogs never expose their belly if they feel threatened.
He Still Loves To Nap
He Loves To Observe
Wulfgar’s owners discovered how much he enjoys watching other people as his fur thickens while he steadily lost weight. According to them, “he loves going into the backyard. He likes to sit and observe the other people in the neighborhood. When people would walk too close, he’d bark. We liked this protective aspect, though now he’s much more discerning of strangers.” That Wulfgar is merely trying to keep his loving family safe is adorable.
He Loves To Observe
Minding His Own Business
“I COULD stand like a normal dog but… meh,” the owners said of this photo. Wulfgar is just doing what he wants, whatever makes him happy. He may appear to be a cat, but we all know that he isn’t. This is just another indicator that he is settling in well to his new forever home and is content to do anything he wants. Even while this may appear to be a strange method for a dog to eat, we’ve certainly seen even stranger ways.
Minding His Own Business
Still Changing
Wulfgar’s health improves with each passing day. It’s evident how much he’s grown since he was adopted off the streets in this photo. Seen as if his hair has turned almost black. The owner shared “you can really see how his coat darkened in this picture. I’m hoping this is just a winter coat because I loved his red coloring before.” Regardless, they’re just glad he’s on the mend.
Still Changing
He Loves Tile Floors
Wulfgar, like many other dogs, enjoys relaxing on the house’s cold tile flooring, especially after a long day at the dog park. When he lays down on the tile, he can’t even keep his eyes open, as shown in this photo. This day, he had to have worked out at the dog park. It’s good to know that he’s receiving the exercise that a dog his size requires! This dog appears to be in a good mood!
He Loves Tile Floors
He Loves Roadtrips
Wulfgar isn’t the only one who enjoys getting into the car, but it’s one of his favorite pastimes. He jumps immediately in when the car door opens, ready to tackle the open road! He doesn’t care where they go, he simply wants to be a part of it. It must have been surreal for the owners to find how much he enjoys riding in cars because they had no idea about his past. It’s also something they can do without a lot of effort for him.
He Loves Roadtrips
He Loves Going To The Dog Park
They go to the dog park on a daily basis because it is so close to their home. They roll down the windows for Wulfgar on the way there so he can take in all of the sights and smells as they head to his favorite spot. Wulfgar’s owners like how near they are to the dog park so that they can exercise him on a regular basis and provide him with the social experiences he needs to grow as a dog.
He Loves Going To The Dog Park
Wulfgar Knows The Way
Wulfgar, believe it or not, knows exactly where to get to the dog park. That’s a lot of hard work. The owners shared, “As we get closer he starts whining and hopping around in the back seat out of excitement.” We all know that Wulfgar’s conduct isn’t unique to him, since most dogs lose their heads when they see a leash. It does, however, show that, despite his sad upbringing, he is now just like any other dog.
Wulfgar Knows The Way
Physical Improvements
Other physical variations in his appearance include his stature and especially his tail, in addition to the thickening and color changes of his fur! A healthy, confident dog is now skinny and hairless, and it is now perky and full of fur. Everything about him, from his mannerisms to his appearance, has changed dramatically in just a few months. Neither the owners nor the dog could be more contented!
Physical Improvements
No More Weight Problems
The couple had no idea how nicely Wulfgar would fit in with the family when they started the adoption process. Their concerns can now be put to rest because he fits nicely in. He’s even become accustomed to breaching some of the family’s regulations, such as the dog’s ‘no people food’ policy. We’re quite sure this isn’t the first time Wulfgar has put his nose where it shouldn’t be!
No More Weight Problems
The Husky’s Beautiful Eyes
In these eyes is a dog who is grateful for everything that has happened to him since he was adopted has expressed his gratitude. When you compare the photographs from when he was first born and today, they appear to be two completely different dogs, but they are not. When he was shy and terrified only a few months ago, he is now calm and happy. He’s not just a lovely young man, but his eyes are enough to make anyone’s heart melt.
The Husky’s Beautiful Eyes
His Final Change
The owners commented on this photo, “my favorite picture of him. He’s now a happy, healthy, spoiled dog, and we love him and all the fur he leaves on our clothes.” Even the worst-off pets may be recovered with just a little love and care, as evidenced by this photo. We’re overjoyed that Wulfgar has gone from being a stray dog on the streets to becoming a fixture in this couple’s lives. He now lives in a comfortable and contented manner, as a dog should be.
His Final Change
Nobody Noticed This Dog But Everyone Loved Him
The cute photographs of pit bulls making silly expressions are either something you’ve seen before, or you’ve fallen in love with the pit bulls that have come into your life. Your dog has a lot of personality, you know he’s a good dog with a lot of loyalty and friendliness, and you probably also know that he has a negative reputation in the world of animal adoption and animal ownership in general. Of course, you’ll want to know why a breed would be stigmatized in such a way, but you’ll also want to see how one dog, Sheldon, managed to stand out from the crowd by displaying his own personality.
Nobody Noticed This Dog But Everyone Loved Him
Sheldon The Dog
Sheldon, for example, is one of those pit bull-type dogs who ended up in an animal shelter. He didn’t appear to be sociable, despite the fact that pit bull dogs did not make up a bigger percentage of shelter dogs (32 percent in 2014). He was shy, even grumpy, according to his coworkers. Wouldn’t you be, wouldn’t you? It’s not easy for a dog to be locked in a cage, no matter how they got to the pound or how harmless their abandonment may have been. Regardless of how hard the staff tries to make things better, easier, or even enjoyable, it’s just not a cheerful environment.
Sheldon The Dog
The Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
The best-case scenario is not where a dog or cat wants to be, especially when the animal has clearly been part of a family in the past, prior to being placed in a shelter. It was evident that Sheldon had been a member of a family earlier because of how he reacted to staff. Sheldon found himself in 2016 at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, a shelter in Phoenix, Arizona. They deal with a steady assault of new dogs and cats who need care and homes, just like so many other shelters around the country and around the world. Volunteers are also needed to work with the animals and assist them in dealing with the daily challenges that come with living in a pound.
The Maricopa County Animal Care & Control
Sheldon’s Life In The Shelter
Sheldon was sad when he first arrived at the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, as he is with many abandoned and stray creatures. It was clear that he had grown up in a household that was concerned about him. He was able to sit at will and even offered his paw. Somebody must have given him certain tactics and behavioral instructions in the past. Nobody came to find him once he arrived at the shelter, though. With his sad and introverted appearance, he was left alone, unadopted, and he didn’t appear to be social. He wasn’t a “mean” dog or a “bad” dog. He just didn’t stick out with all the masses of 600-800 other animals, and he’d shortly been at the shelter for a month, without adoption or owner retrieval.
Sheldon’s Life In The Shelter
Sheldon Was Noticed
Sheldon was unwelcomed and unclaimed by the majority of people, but one individual saw him. Heather Haltmeyer, a volunteer, was keeping an eye on Sheldon, and it bothered her that he had gone undiscovered for so long. He’d remained there for another 30 days, so he’d been there for a total of 90 days, and no one had shown any interest in adopting or caring for him. There are a few animals that stand out above the rest. They appear to only require a little assistance and probably a little more attention than the others. In order for Sheldon to stand out, she stepped in and offered her assistance in any way she could.
Sheldon Was Noticed
The Picture Tells Everything
Heather Haltmeyer’s job as an animal shelter volunteer included photographing the animals. She went a step further in her responsibilities. Despite the fact that he wasn’t one of the dogs she walked out on a regular basis, he was right next to one of them. As a result, she spotted him. She said, “I kept seeing him and he kept jumping up and down and wagging his tail in his kennel, like, ‘Look at me, look at me.’ He had the most adorable pink little lips.” Who would be able to say no to a dog like that? She couldn’t, and she didn’t, and she didn’t. I guess what gained him the attention he so desperately needed was Sheldon’s desire to finally come out of his harsh shell-exterior and show that he could be pleasant.
The Picture Tells Everything
Sheldon’s Personality
Heather Haltmeyer, of course, added a bow-tie to the ensemble and saw a different Sheldon emerge. When he was in front of the camera, his entire manner changed, and he even became a kind of “muse.” He loved the attention, but more than that, he transformed his entire personality. I think he truly came to life in a sense! Because of this, she snapped a lot of pictures of him, and she discovered that he wasn’t always unhappy or bashful, despite his appearance. In fact, just looking at the images, you can see that he had his own distinct personality.
Sheldon’s Personality
A Natural
YES! Sheldon was a photogenic animal who adored being the focal point of the camera lens, according to Heather Haltmeyer. Yes, even without the bowtie, his unique personality began to shine through more and more, and she learned more about Sheldon’s true nature. The way she explained it, “He seemed to eat it all up.” To be clear, not all animals function well in front of the camera, as I’m sure you know. As a result, Sheldon was a one-of-a-kind and remarkable individual. From frowns to goody poses, Haltmeyer tried to convey that essence.
A Natural
Sheldon On Facebook
In January 2017, Sheldon’s images were shared on Facebook with the following caption: “We may be biased, but we think Sheldon should be a doggy celebrity with all those expressions.” It didn’t stop there, though. It went on: “Think of all the fun you could have taking pictures of him if you adopt!” Isn’t that what the whole point was? You might adopt him for a variety of reasons, as seen in the photographs. Who could help but fall in love with him and want to bring him home with such a unique and charming face? In any case, that was the hope.
Sheldon On Facebook
More About Sheldon
They posted an image of Sheldon in a car, as you can see. And, as you can see from the sequence of shots, he is a good team player. The Facebook post, however, did not end there. It read: “Sheldon is a great dog with a great energy level. He’s not crazy hyper, but he’s no slow-poke either. Sheldon is equally happy to sniff around on his own or come over for some pets and attention.” Due to the fact that some pit bulls have a negative image for being too energetic and crazy dogs, the post provides you the impression that Sheldon is a companion dog that will be there for you when you need him.
More About Sheldon
The Grumpy Old Man
Sheldon’s pictures by Heather Haltmeyer were quickly popular, with fans and well-wishers saying: “He looks a bit like a grumpy old man. Oh, somebody please help him to turn his frown upside down.” It appears that a large number of individuals were paying attention to (and reading about) Sheldon. The photos and descriptions gave a decent idea of who he was and what type of dog he would make a nice companion, but they also made at least one person fall in love with Sheldon. Who can’t get behind that grouchy expression and quirkiness? Isn’t it unavoidable?
The Grumpy Old Man
Emily Notices Sheldon
Sheldon was now the center of attention, with well-wishers, fans, and friends, after months of no notice. Emily Chmiel, on her part, admitted: “I fell in love with his serious expressions in his pictures and knew he belonged in my house.” With the photos you’ve seen so far, you’ve got to believe that Sheldon will continue to be a big ham in front of the camera. Emily didn’t seem to be bothered by this at all. She welcomed his individuality, and it appears that he has found a home in her. It appears to be the most ideal type of partnership.
Emily Notices Sheldon
Taking Sheldon Home
As a result, her photographic abilities and eye were honed. Sheldon’s mug made Emily Chmiel fall in love with him, and she took him home with her. The story, fortunately, did not end there. She keeps us in the loop about his life and adventures. Heather Haltmeyer, a volunteer and photographer, couldn’t be happier with the outcome of Sheldon’s case. She says, “I do think the photos are what attracted them, and it feels great.” She further explains, “The whole point of it is to get people’s attention and to help dogs stand out that would otherwise kind of get lost in the crowd.”
Taking Sheldon Home
From Sheldon To Castiel
He also got a new name: “Castiel,” which is the name of an angel on the CW show Supernatural, so you’ll be delighted to hear that he settled right in. The ability to fix his “puppy-dog” eye-gaze on you, rendering you helpless, is one of his most memorable characteristics. Emily’s new adopted cat and the angel character have a lot in common, I’m sure. With his unique personality shining through, he gained a lifelong home and family, and those photos surely appeared to captivate the imaginations, caring, and concern of thousands of followers and friends. There must be a good reason for him being referred to as Castiel!
From Sheldon To Castiel
Castiel’s Amazing Life
If you’re wondering how Castiel is adjusting to his new life with Emily Chmiel, all you have to do is look at how relaxed and content he looks on the couch. He also enjoys exploring Emily’s patio and has made friends with her many cats, according to Emily (always a positive sign). She has to remind him who’s boss on a regular basis, but he hasn’t been a member of the family for a long time, so he’s probably still learning the ropes and what’s allowed in the house. After all, it’s all a learning process, and they’re clearly in it together for the long haul.
Castiel’s Amazing Life
Official Grump Dog
You can also plug in to follow Castiel’s life and experiences if you want to do so quickly and easily. Emily Chmiel has made the “Official Grump Dog” Instagram account for her dog “Cass dog” in response to the outpouring of love on social media. The account describes him as: “Judging you always… Professional Grump, Destroyer of Socks.” She also says: “Will Grip You Tight and Raise You From Pupperdition.” In case it wasn’t evident, she also uploads a side-by-side shot with the TV Castiel, which is a wonderful way to demonstrate why he now has that name!
Official Grump Dog