A strange figure lingered by the roadside for months—a creature many called a “werewolf.”
This mysterious animal had rough, scaly skin, a broken tail, and a scruffy patch of black fur that stood on end. Malnourished and frail, he seemed to be in desperate need of help but was too weak to move much. Locals had spotted him in an orchard near Madera Ranchos, California, but no one dared to approach.

Dubbed “Werewolf” by those who glimpsed him, the canine’s true identity remained a mystery. People feared him, not daring to investigate further. But one day, a passerby couldn’t ignore him anymore and shared his plight on Facebook.

That post caught the attention of Megan Bowe, founder of Bowe’s Adoptable Rescued Pup. She arrived quickly to offer help.

“When I saw him, I was about ready to cry,” Megan shared with The Dodo. “He was really on his last leg—depressed, frail, and barely able to stand.”

It turned out the “werewolf” was a German shepherd mix in dire condition.

Megan named him “King” and rushed him to the nearest emergency animal hospital. King, though weak, seemed relieved and followed Megan willingly.

At the vet, King’s extensive injuries were revealed. He suffered from scabies, a shattered pelvis, and a broken tail—likely from being hit by a car months earlier. Despite his aged appearance, King was only a year old.

“He was so skinny and dehydrated,” Megan explained. “With his pelvis damaged, he couldn’t move far enough to find food.”

To protect her other animals, Megan quarantined King in her garage. She put him on a carefully planned diet to help him regain strength. Before surgery, King needed time to heal and grow stronger.

Despite his pain, King showed gratitude.

“He’s a super loving dog,” Megan said. King often rested his head on her lap, seeking comfort. His calm and affectionate demeanor stood out even in his weakened state.

After a month of care, King’s health began to improve. His mange was treated, and he started regaining his vitality. Soon, King underwent successful surgeries to repair his pelvis and tail.

The vet recommended regular walks to aid King’s recovery. King’s progress was steady, and Megan remained hopeful. While a second hip surgery might be needed, King’s transformation was already remarkable.

Today, King is a far cry from the feared “werewolf” he once was.

Megan believes King will fully recover in a few months and be ready for adoption. In the meantime, King enjoys his new life filled with love, doggy ice cream, walks, and car rides with the windows down.

“He’s happier than ever now,” Megan said.

Reflecting on his journey, Megan expressed disbelief at how many people had ignored King.

“It’s hard to think all those cars passed him by,” she said. “But it only takes one person to make a difference.”

Thanks to Megan and compassionate rescuers like her, King has a chance to live the happy, healthy life every dog deserves.