When Zander and Xavier were dropped at a shelter in North Carolina earlier this year, the man surrendering them insisted they were born without hair. But shelter workers weren’t so sure.
At first, they were concerned the bald German Shepherd puppies had mange, a serious and painful condition often brought on by neglect. In fact, they even did a live video from the shelter showing off the pups and insisting that “puppies aren’t born this way.”
Alas, after being checked out by the vet, it turns out the two adorable little misfits had alopecia, which prevented their hair follicles from working properly – so they WERE born that way!
Alopecia in dogs can be genetic or else acquired later on, caused by bacterial or fungal infections and exacerbated by severe stress – and it can happen to any dog at any age.
The two scared puppies immediately went home with a foster mom from the shelter named Nichole who got them used to new experiences and lots of affection so they could be adopted by loving families later on.
After about a month, the pups were ready for their fur-ever homes – and while they remained bald, they were happy and otherwise healthy.
The rescue’s post announcing their readiness for adoption called them “hairless little armadillo puppies.” Soon, 50 applications rolled in.
Nichole had decided that it would be best for their temperaments and self-esteem to grow up in different homes (and if you think about it, very few puppy litters actually stay together!).
The first adopter was a man named Tyler, who took home Xavier. It turns out Tyler also has alopecia!
When the pup met him at the door, he immediately melted his new dad’s heart – and the relationship felt like destiny to Tyler.
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Xavier’s name is now Apollo and you can follow him on Instagram in his new home at @birthdaysuitapollo on Instagram.
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Next up was Zander who was going home with a loving couple, Aida and Tyler, who fell in love with the pup while seeing him in The Dodo’s video of the pair.
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Zander’s name is now Mylo and he too has an Instagram page where you can catch up with him at @kangaroopopmylo.
The couple already had a German Shepherd named Tank (who has his hair) and live an active, outdoorsy life that Nichole thought the pup would really enjoy.
And she was right (even if the pair get into some trouble occasionally)!
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It was love at first sight for all of the adopters.
While it was hard for Nichole to say goodbye to the pups, she knew they were off to live their best lives.
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Both boys adapted well to their new homes right off the bat – and you can see their reactions in the video below.
Xavier/Apollo has a great view from his swanky new apartment and a big brother named Kona to play with while Zander/Mylo is all about his new backyard and big brother Tank.
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The parents of the bald boys even keep in touch with one another and FaceTime with the pups!
But both have adapted well to their new siblings – so it looks like everyone made the right choice.
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We’re so happy to see these puppies thriving!
Be sure to scroll down below to get a peek at their saga and their happy new lives.
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Source: The Dodo via YouTube, @birthdaysuitapollo via Instagram, @kangaroopopmiylo via Instagram, Merck Veterinary Manual
H/t Dog Dispatch
