Wesley, a majestic Great Pyrenees dog, has come a long way. Just a month ago, he was living a life of fear and pain. A tightly knotted rope embedded in his neck caused a severe wound and left him terrified of humans. Rescued by Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), Wesley received the medical care and compassion he desperately needed. Now, thanks to a wonderful couple, Wesley has his happily ever after.
A year of agony, a month of transformation
When Wesley arrived at APA!, he was in a terrible state. The deeply embedded rope had caused a serious wound on his neck, and his fear of humans was so intense that he was considered “practically feral.” The dedicated staff at APA! didn’t just provide Wesley with medical treatment, they showered him with love and care, creating a safe space for him to heal.
Their efforts paid off quickly. Within a month, Wesley’s physical and emotional wounds began to mend. He was no longer the terrified, feral dog who arrived at the shelter. He was ready for a forever home.
The perfect match: Experienced owners and a loving family
Enter Bryan Corralejo and Victoria Montemayor, a couple from Pflugerville, Texas, with a heart for animals in need. They had already opened their home to three senior dogs, all adopted at around 10 years old, each with a history of illness or surgery. Their experience with caring for large dogs recovering from medical issues made them the perfect fit for Wesley.
Montemayor first saw Wesley on APA!’s Instagram page when they were raising funds for his medical care. She followed his progress and, when he became available for adoption, knew they had to act.
From fearful to fun-loving: A life transformed
Wesley’s transition to his new life has been remarkable. He’s settled in beautifully with his new family, which includes two Golden Retrievers and a Bloodhound. While some anxiety remains when he’s left alone, having his canine companions around provides comfort. The terrified dog who wouldn’t let humans near him now enjoys playing with toys, especially rope toys, and engaging in a playful tug-of-war. His biggest concerns now are his reflection in the glass door (a bit startling at first) and, of course, mealtime!
Wesley’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the incredible work of shelters like APA!. It’s also a heartwarming reminder that loving homes can be found even after the most difficult experiences.