They Rescued a Puppy That Seemed to Be Covered in Cement, But It Was Fungi That Had Eaten Him

Rescuing an animal goes far beyond just saving its life—it’s about committing to ensuring a better future by offering care and support. However, rescuing a stray animal presents an even greater challenge, especially with overcrowded shelters and limited resources.

This was the case for the rescue organization Patitas Glew in Argentina, who came across a young pup with what appeared to be cement covering his face. At first, it seemed like he had been covered in paste, but it turned out to be something far more sinister: a fungal infection that was literally consuming his face.

This situation raised alarm among Southern Cone rescue groups, who were deeply concerned by the severity of the condition.

“When we commit to rescuing a dog from the street, we have to be willing to help them through whatever challenges they face, especially since most street animals have suffered greatly and often suffer from diseases,” said Patitas Glew.

The volunteers were shocked when they first saw the puppy, named Rada. Much of his skin had been eaten away by the fungus, and he was severely malnourished. Veterinarians considered Rada’s case to be one of the most disturbing and unique they had encountered, due to the horrific conditions he had endured, pushing him to the brink of collapse.

“The vets couldn’t believe it; nothing like this had ever happened to us,” the organization shared. The fungus was highly contagious, so the puppy had to be kept separate from the other animals, and volunteers had to wear gloves to handle him.

Despite these daunting challenges, Rada began to recover thanks to the dedication and hard work of his caregivers. His skin improved, the fungus started to retreat, and his spirits soared as he began to feel better.

However, the long-term effects of his condition are still uncertain. Additionally, Rada was found to have a deformity in one of his limbs caused by the severe malnutrition he had suffered.

This little fighter, who has already overcome so much, is now continuing his battle to find true happiness in a loving forever home.

Please help share Rada’s story. Being an animal rescuer means committing to the entire process—helping them through recovery, fostering them, and ensuring they have the resources they need to survive and thrive in a loving home.