Dog Trapped in Barn for 6 years is Finally Rescued and Makes a Stunning Transformation

Rescue stories are forever making the news, and though all are heartwarming, some of them stand out enough to be retold. Once such incident that occurred in 2016 in Nashville, TN is that of Lazarus the dog who was abandoned and forgotten about in a barn to the point of his fur growing to the extent of making look like a sheep that hadn’t been sheared for years. Fortunately, Lazarus was given a makeover and made an amazing transformation.

A Forgotten Soul Hidden in a Barn Stall

Lazarus, a Pyrenean Mountain dog, was living a life of despair in an isolated barn stall, almost entirely forgotten by the world. His owner suffering terminal illness just could not care for him and moreover, seemed to have forgotten about the dog. The gentle giant remained trapped, his once-glorious white fur transformed into an impenetrable wall of filth and neglect. Lazarus had become nearly invisible, a shadow of his true self. Buried under pounds of matted fur, his soul seemed to fade along with his physical appearance.

The Moment of Rescue

It was fortunate that neighbors came to know of Lazarus’ plight and informed dog groomers to do something for the dog. Seeing the horrible condition of Lazarus, the groomers also notified a dog rescue organization led by Amanda Brookes who promptly answered the call. As the team cut away over 35 pounds of matted fur, it was as if they were peeling away the layers of abandonment that had buried Lazarus for years. The sight of the dog underneath was shocking, but so was the profound sense of relief that came with each snip of the scissors.

Rediscovering Freedom

After being freed from the crushing weight of his fur, Lazarus had to learn what it meant to be a dog again. His first steps into the open air were hesitant—he had never known freedom or felt the earth beneath his paws. The feeling of the breeze on his skin, the scent of fresh grass, and the warmth of the sun on his back were all new experiences for him. Lazarus was like a newborn, cautiously exploring a world that had been hidden from him for so long.

A New Beginning with Loving Hands

Lazarus was eventually taken into the care of Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, where he experienced kindness and love for the first time in years. It was a stark contrast to the neglect he had endured. His rescuers took the time to nourish not just his body, but his spirit. Slowly but surely, Lazarus began to trust again. Every head pat and every gentle word reminded him of the goodness in the world, a world he was now part of.

The Power of Love and Transformation

Big Fluffy Dog Rescue founder Jean Harrison providing updates about Lazarus spoke of how cautious the dog was, especially with food. He would approach steaks cautiously, having not been customer to proper nutrition. However, as time went by, Lazarus changed and learned how to be a dog again. Lazarus was finally sent to live with Amanda Brooke on her sanctuary for rescue animals where he became a loved and pampered dog.

Three Twilight Years of Happiness

In an update in 2019, Amanda Brooke wrote on Facebook how Lazarus, her favorite finally passed away due to a stomach cancer. Brooke writes:  “You taught me about resilience, joy, and unconditional love sweet boy. I was truly the lucky one to have had you in my life for as long as I did. We started our life together in the floor sleeping and we ended our life together in the floor. I’ll spend the rest of my life missing you. Rest easy, my sweet Laz. I know you’ll wait for me, like always. Love you forever and a day.”

The dog who once looked like he carried the weight of the world on his back was given the chance to run, play, and connect with people. His eyes which once held only fear, sparkled with the warmth of trust and affection. While he may have had a tough middle years, Lazarus lived out his last twilight years knowing love, compassion, and a good home.