LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A South Plains puppy was days away from death when a Lubbock woman gave him a second chance at life.<\/p>\n
Madison Mauch was scrolling social media in August when a post from the Levelland Animal Shelter<\/a> stopped her in her tracks. The shelter posted about a young puppy brought into its care with a severe skin condition.<\/p>\n \u201cThe second I saw him and they said he stopped eating, I knew if someone didn\u2019t grab him, he was probably going to pass away pretty soon,\u201d Mauch said.<\/p>\n The shelter, which doesn\u2019t currently have a veterinarian on staff, said they didn\u2019t have funds to take Willie to a veterinarian and needed someone to pick him up and pay for his medical care.<\/p>\n Mauch brought Willie home and began constant treatment with creams, medications, soak baths and lots of cuddles.<\/p>\n \u201cHe would just cry and cry and the only time he would feel better or stop crying is if you would hold him and he could feel your heartbeat,\u201d Mauch said.<\/p>\n Mauch shared Willie\u2019s recovery journey on social media, with thousands of people following his progress. Slowly, Willie began to start feeling better and showing his personality, one day dragging a roll of toilet paper across the living room.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, normally I would be upset but I was like, oh my goodness, you finally feel better. This is so good,\u201d Mauch said.<\/p>\n What started as a medical foster became a permanent adoption when Mauch couldn\u2019t bear to give Willie up after his recovery.<\/p>\n \u201cI think just coming from that place of not being sure he was going to survive and him being able to survive; I really, I just couldn\u2019t get rid of him,\u201d Mauch said.<\/p>\n Mauch is no stranger to helping dogs in need. Willie is her 32nd foster dog over several years.<\/p>\n Nearly 250 dogs are waiting at the Lubbock Animal Shelter<\/a> to find forever homes. The shelter also has dogs and pregnant mothers who need medical fosters.<\/p>\n While Willie was a special case, Mauch said most shelters are happy to pay for veterinary costs and can even provide food for foster families.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fun to know that you can donate a little bit of your time and part of your home, an extra room if you have it, and you can save their lives, which is awesome,\u201d Mauch said.<\/p>\n Follow Madison and Willie\u2019s journey here<\/a> on TikTok.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 KCBD. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n