When dogs are abused or neglected, sometimes the dogs are physically or mentally abused, ignored, and left outside alone for long periods, or even left to starve. Abuse and neglect also cause many side effects, one of which is medical issues, such as a skin condition, disease, and other life-threatening issues.

For a dog named Dreadlock, his neglect left him with skin problems. Fortunately, Dreadlock was able to overcome his bad start in life and find a forever home, even though it took a bit longer.

Dreadlock came to the shelter as a neglected dog

When he was taken into the Soi Dog Foundation shelter in Thailand at six years old, Dreadlock had a bad skin problem. These issues were caused by severe neglect by his previous owner. His fur was filthy and matted.

His skin problems were caused by the condition of his fur, which was in tiny dreads. And that’s how he got his name … Dreadlock.

The staff at the shelter work to get Dreadlock healthy

The staff at Soi Dog Foundation worked tirelessly to help him overcome his problems. They hoped to restore his health and prepare him for adoption. In addition to his skin issues, Dreadlock also had a very quiet personality.

Whereas other dogs might interact with visitors to the shelter, dreadlock tended to stay in his own corner.

Dreadlock goes unadopted for four years at the shelter

Of course, being so shy didn’t endear him to many potential adopters, and so he remained at the shelter for four long years. He seemed to have given up any hope of being adopted and pretty much kept to himself.

Then one day, everything changed.

Dreadlock gets adopted

In a video, a shelter worker is seen approaching Dreadlock, now 10 years old. It seems that a family in the U.K. had decided to adopt him, made possible by the shelter’s international adoption program.

At first Dreadlock doesn’t seem to understand what is going on, but as the staff member explains the good news, it seems like he starts to understand.

As soon as it is clear to Dreadlock that he has been adopted, he becomes a whole different dog. He transforms into a puppy again and begins to bark and skip around, celebrating the news. He has finally been adopted!

According to the shelter staff, they had never seen the usually downtrodden dog so excited.

Soi Dog Foundation

Established in 2003 in Phuket, Thailand, Soi Dog Foundation has a mission to help the stray cats and dogs living on the streets of the country. With over 50,000 stray animals on the island, they use sterilization in an attempt to control the numbers.

The organization also seeks to find homes for the many strays they take into its shelters, including in other countries, through its international adoption program. For more on how you can adopt or donate, visit Soi Dog Foundation’s Website or Facebook page.

Watch the video below for Dreadlock’s happy reaction to the news that he has finally been adopted.

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Source: Soi Dog Foundation

H/T: Three Million Dogs, Rumble