It took 16 baths to reveal the beautiful dog underneath.
When rescuers first saw photos of Amarillo, they immediately knew something wasn’t right.
The young dog had recently been discovered alone inside an apartment in Syracuse, New York, after apparently being left behind by her former owner.
Animal officers stepped in to help and eventually arranged for Amarillo to be transferred into the care of Friends Forever Animal Rescue.
But when members of the rescue team received their first pictures of her, one detail left everyone confused.
Amarillo was covered in an intense yellow color.
It wasn’t simply a slight discoloration in her fur. Her coat was so noticeably yellow that rescuers began wondering what could possibly have happened to her.
No One Knew Why She Was Yellow
The rescue team considered several possibilities.
Perhaps she had somehow been exposed to dye or a marker-like substance. They even wondered whether some type of food seasoning could have stained her coat.
Whatever had caused it, one thing was obvious: Amarillo desperately needed care.
Her unusual appearance wasn’t the only concern.
She was severely dehydrated, her nails had grown far too long and her overall condition suggested she hadn’t been receiving the care she needed.
Yet her personality told a completely different story.
Despite everything she had experienced, Amarillo remained remarkably affectionate and friendly.
Rather than avoiding people, she eagerly sought their attention and seemed happiest whenever someone offered her affection.
Then The Baths Began
Rescuers started the long process of cleaning her coat.
One bath wasn’t enough.
Neither were two or three.
After seven baths, the mysterious yellow staining finally began to fade noticeably.
But getting her coat completely clean required much more work.
It wasn’t until Amarillo’s 16th bath that rescuers were finally able to see the dog beneath all that yellow.
Her transformation was remarkable.
As the strange color disappeared, her natural coat emerged, and Amarillo gradually began looking healthier.
But her recovery involved much more than simply washing away the yellow.
A Completely Different Dog Emerged
With proper food, attention and veterinary care, Amarillo began gaining weight.
Her coat became healthier and shinier, and although rescuers could still notice tiny traces of yellow in a few areas, the color was no longer the first thing anyone noticed about her.
Instead, people could finally see Amarillo for who she really was: an affectionate dog eager to be loved.
The puppy who had arrived dehydrated and covered in a mysterious yellow substance was beginning an entirely new chapter.
There was just one important thing missing.
A permanent home.
Now She’s Waiting For Someone To Choose Her
According to her rescuers, Amarillo gets along well with children and other animals, including both dogs and cats.
She’s energetic and would thrive with a family willing to make her part of their everyday activities.
She enjoys going on walks, exploring and spending time with the people around her.
But after everything Amarillo has already been through, her rescuers aren’t simply looking for someone willing to adopt a dog.
They’re hoping to find someone willing to make a lasting commitment.
Amarillo has already experienced what it’s like to be left behind.
Now she deserves a family who will see beyond her past and give her the security, affection and companionship she has been missing.
Sixteen baths helped wash away the strange yellow color that once covered her body.
But the biggest transformation will come when Amarillo finally finds the family who chooses her — and never leaves her behind again.
