Last August, Romanian animal rescuer Georgiana Neagu met a puppy whose unusual appearance hid a painful past. The young dog, later named Nala, technically belonged to a family — but it was clear they didn’t know how to properly care for her.
Nala was in rough shape. Her tiny body was covered in flies, ravaged by a skin condition that left her nearly bald. As she looked up at Neagu, it was as if she was silently pleading for help.
Although her owners initially refused to give her up, Neagu — who works with Saving Orphaned Souls Sheila’s Animal Rescue Mission (SOS ARMS) — offered to return regularly to provide medical care. Despite her efforts, Nala’s condition kept getting worse.
“She could barely walk due to a severe calcium deficiency,” Neagu shared on Facebook. “Her skin was in terrible condition, and emotionally, she was fading. I couldn’t stand by and watch her suffer anymore.”
Eventually, Nala’s owners agreed to surrender her. Neagu rushed her to SOS ARMS, where a dedicated veterinary team and a group of rescued dogs welcomed her. The road to recovery would be long, but Neagu was determined to see her through.
“Her healing took months,” Neagu wrote. “We treated her skin, her bones, and worked to restore her overall health. But she never gave up.”
And through it all, Nala showed a quiet gratitude, trusting Neagu even when her body was at its weakest.
“She’s always been gentle and calm,” Neagu said. “Even when she was struggling, her eyes were full of trust.”
As the months passed, Nala slowly began to heal. Her fur began to grow back, first around her body, but not yet on her head — which left her looking like a lion with a soft, furry mane.
Eventually, her head fur grew in too, and she blossomed into a full-coated, fluffy pup.
Thanks to Neagu’s love and perseverance, Nala has made a complete turnaround.
“Today, she’s thriving,” Neagu wrote. “She’s turning into a soft, cuddly teddy bear. She’s still young and growing, but she’s calm, sweet, and absolutely beautiful.”
Nala is now almost unrecognizable from the frail, balding pup she once was. She’s made new friends, enjoys her days at SOS ARMS, and is ready to find a forever home.
“She’s all heart,” Neagu said. “A true survivor, filled with kindness.”
To support Nala and other dogs on their healing journeys, you can donate to Saving Orphaned Souls Sheila’s Animal Rescue Mission here.
If you’re interested in sponsoring or adopting Nala, reach out to Georgiana Neagu directly on Facebook.
