Senior Dog Found Crying in the Woods Is Making A Remarkable Comeback

An elderly dog is making an astounding recovery after being found abandoned in heartbreaking condition.

Last year on Halloween night, Freddy was discovered alone and crying in the woods. The poor little pup had wounds on his front legs, difficulty walking, and was ravaged by mange. He also had a ruptured eye and severe ear infections.

Freddy was brought to a shelter in Texas, which immediately reached out to Caitie, the founder of Caitie’s Foster Family. They asked the experienced medical foster caregiver if she could take him in.

When she saw his photo and heard how he had been found she admitted, “I died a little inside” but agreed right away.

Caitie rushed Freddy to a veterinary hospital, where he was stabilized and given a slew of tests. After spending several days there, he was finally able to come home with her.

@caitiesfosterfam

Another medical rescue that is hard to see. But stick around, because his glow up is going to be the best. UPDATE: Thank you everyone asking how you can help! I just updated a link in my bio with a fundraiser to help the nonprofit rescue ❤

♬ growth – Gede Yudis

In the days and weeks that followed, Caitie began learning more about Freddy. He’s around 10 years old and about 60% Shih Tzu. He loves being held and cuddled, and he never turns down a treat.

Freddy was also instantly smitten when he was introduced to Caitie’s Great Dane, Sal. Every time he sees Sal, he gets a burst of energy.

But Caitie soon noticed that Freddy’s walking wasn’t improving. She brought him to veterinary specialists, who determined that he has IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), a painful condition caused by herniated discs in the spine.

@caitiesfosterfam

Day 6 with Freddy. And he is officially smitten with my dog, Sal. Note: we took things slowly over hours, and these videos were not all back to back. I always recommend slow intros with fosters. I noticed Freddy standing and walking more when Sal would be near. He’s clearly ready for a bestie.

♬ A Simple Life – Morunas

Given Freddy’s age and fragile condition, Caitie wanted to see if he might be a good candidate for an innovative, non-invasive treatment for IVDD through Texas A&M Neurology.

And it turns out he is.

@caitiesfosterfam

To donate to Freddy’s treatment: donorbox.org/freddytreatment (linked in b!o) Freddy had his Texas A&M neurology visit! He is already looking like a new dog with all of his fluff, and his walking has definitely improved some. But since he has IVDD and rest and medication has not done too much to help his walking, we decided to do further diagnostics. Texas A&M has some novel IVDD treatments that are non-invasive (no surgery needed). We decided to move forward with an MRI to ensure he is a good candidate. If he is a candidate (which so far they believe he is), this treatment could potentially truly improve his quality of life. The total for his diagnostics and treatment is around $6,000. We know this is a high cost, but we are a small, medical-based rescue. We focus on these tougher cases, and we always promise to do what we think is best for the dogs. And Freddy is so worth it. Thank you so much for your support!

♬ Another World of Peace – 華音

Now, the hope is that Freddy will be able to undergo the treatment, improving both his mobility and his quality of life.

Caitie is currently trying to raise $6,000 to cover the cost. She writes, “We know this is a high cost, but we are a small, medical-based rescue. We focus on these tougher cases, and we always promise to do what we think is best for the dogs. And Freddy is so worth it.”

@caitiesfosterfam

Freddy’s glow-up from October 2025 to January 2026.

♬ Like a Prayer – Madonna

Freddy has already come so far in just two short months. His hearing has improved. His fur is growing back. And he’s become the happiest, most grateful pup with thousands of dog lovers cheering him on. Those who would like to support Freddy’s care can learn more at donorbox.org/freddytreatment

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