When Harleigh Garcia first saw a photo of Brandy, a new arrival at Border Tails Rescue in Illinois, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
The young dog’s fur appeared to be a muted grayish-brown — a color Garcia had never seen before.
But when she met Brandy in person, the truth hit her like a punch to the heart.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s just dirt,’” Garcia, the rescue’s founder and executive director, told The Dodo. “I’ve been hoodwinked.”
Brandy and another dog had just been surrendered by their owner, both so filthy and flea-ridden that their true colors were hidden beneath layers of grime. It was clear Brandy hadn’t been living in comfort.
“I would assume she had to be outside,” Garcia said. “Or living somewhere very, very filthy, because I’ve never seen a dog that dirty.”
During her first bath, Brandy stood trembling and weary as staff gently worked soap through her matted coat. The water ran brown for nearly an hour and a half as they carefully rinsed away months of buildup.
When they finished, everyone stepped back in awe.
Gone was the “brown” dog they thought they knew. Standing before them was a fluffy, snow-white pup with soft fur and bright, hopeful eyes.
“She looked like a totally different dog,” Garcia said. “If it weren’t for her spotted nose, I wouldn’t have recognized her.”
Border Tails Rescue shared her incredible transformation online with a fitting caption:
“This little lady came in looking more like a dust bunny than a dog — but after one good bath… SNOWBALL!!!”
Following her makeover, Brandy received a full exam and treatment for fleas. She was otherwise healthy for a two-year-old, but vets noticed something unusual — her pupils were different sizes, and she didn’t seem to respond to sound.
Garcia soon learned that Brandy was likely a double merle, a genetic condition that occurs when two merle-patterned dogs are bred together, often resulting in dogs with all-white coats, blue eyes, and hearing loss.
Even with her challenges, Brandy’s gentle spirit quickly began to shine.
“She was so scared at first,” Garcia said. “But once she realized she was safe, she just wanted love. She’s the sweetest, most cuddly little dog.”
Brandy now walks beautifully on leash, adores affection, and is learning to feel comfortable with hand signals and touch.
“She’s so mild-mannered and brave,” Garcia said proudly. “She doesn’t need treats — she just wants people.”
Later this week, Brandy will be ready for a foster-to-adopt home. Garcia hopes she’ll find a patient family — ideally one with another kind, confident dog to help guide her through her new world.
“She is an adorable and loving girl,” Garcia said. “I am so jealous of whoever gets her.”
If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Brandy, you can contact Border Tails Rescue through their website.
