It was spotted walking across the Salt Flat Desert in Utah, USA, by Matt Bentley, who was taking his own dog on an off-road adventure walk. Matt was shocked at the state of this poor dog.
She was scabbed all over, covered in sores, and had no fur. She looked desperate. Matt couldn't even tell what breed it was.
Dog lost in the desert
Matt opened his car door and called the dog over. The sweet thing didn't hesitate for a second. She jumped in the backseat straight away, and off they all went to a nearby animal shelter.
Vets diagnosed the dog, which staff named Kelly, with malnourishment and severe mange. Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that live in the hair follicles. It causes intense itching, open sores, scabs and hair loss.
Vets think Kelly could have been wandering the desert for months. There's no way she would have survived another week.
Kelly never lost her love of people. Despite spending months alone in the desert, Kelly was sweet, gentle, affectionate, and always looking for cuddles.
Vets at the shelter promised to give Kelly all the medical treatment she needed. And her rescuer made her another promise. Matt told the shelter that as soon as Kelly was well enough, she could come and live with him - forever.
How love heals
Kelly spent a few weeks in the doggy hospital before moving into her new forever home. Fast forward a year, and she was completely unrecognisable.
The poor soul found lost and lonely in the desert is now a happy Springer Spaniel with the perfect dog life. It's amazing what 12 months of love and care can do for a rescue dog.
"She's full of joy and happiness," said Matt. "She shows no sign of trauma - although she follows me everywhere, like she's worried I'll disappear. But I don't mind her fussing around me. Seeing how full of life she is now is pure joy."
