On a cold Chicago day, hope arrived in the unlikeliest form—a matted, weary Tibetan Mastiff wandering the streets of South Deering. What looked like a hopeless case became one of the most uplifting animal rescue stories in recent memory, thanks to compassion, community, and a dog named Sprout.

A Life Almost Lost Beneath the Weight

Sprout was found by Chicago police in the middle of an intersection, barely recognizable under a shell of over 32 pounds of matted fur, feces, and urine. “She was being buried alive under the weight of her fur,” wrote Lily Feinn told The Dodo. Her physical state mirrored emotional trauma—timid, shut down, and visibly uncomfortable.

Chicago Animal Care and Control knew this dog needed more than just shelter. They called One Tail at a Time (OTAT), a local rescue group renowned for tackling complex medical cases. “Sprout was in a horrific state when she was found as a stray. It was difficult to tell what breed she was,” said Alli Rooney, marketing manager at OTAT.

Their team rushed to help.

The Power of Kindness and a Clippers

Sprout underwent a sedated groom to free her from the painful mats. “During a sedated groom we removed 32.4 lbs of mats that tugged on her skin causing pain, irritation, and a raging skin infection,” OTAT shared in a social media post. For the first time in who-knows-how-long, Sprout could walk, lie down, and relieve herself without pain. “She is why we keep going,” the rescue wrote.

What followed was more than a physical transformation—it was an emotional rebirth. “Although timid, she is trusting of her foster mom and has a sweet temperament. Since her grooming, she has been coming out of her shell more and more each day,” said Rooney.

A Forever Home and a Fresh Start

As Sprout’s story spread on social media, hearts melted. Among them was Nicole Moss, a woman from Arlington Heights who already had one rescued Tibetan Mastiff named Wally. “I showed it to my parents, who we also live with, and my husband, and they’re like, ‘We got to have her,’” said Moss.

Sprout joined the family, where she and Wally instantly bonded. “They’re really living their puppy energy because they’re only a year apart,” Moss added. Sprout has settled into her new home with joyful quirks—like sitting by the window to bark at passing motorcycles and strangers, embracing her second chance with zest.

“It is definitely a joy learning their quirks and knowing that we’re helping them out and that they've had such a rough start in life,” Moss said. “It is very rewarding. Especially seeing them blossom together”.

A Symbol of Hope and Resilience

Sprout’s journey—from a neglected stray to a beloved family member—is more than a feel-good story. It’s a testament to the power of community, love, and second chances. OTAT’s work not only saved Sprout but continues to shine a light on the thousands of animals still in need. They’ve saved over 12,000 lives in their 17 years of service and are opening a new adoption center in the South Loop this March.

Sprout may have once been hidden beneath layers of pain and neglect, but today, she is a bright star. Her story reminds us that every being—no matter how broken—deserves the chance to heal, grow, and be loved.

As OTAT lovingly put it: “Sprout, we love watching you grow”.

And we do too.