10/29/2026
Meet Augustus. He’s a special one, and he deserves so much more than the life he’s been given. ❤️🩹
Estimated to be around 7 years old, this sweet Poodle ended up at CACC as a stray. We’ll never know how long he’s been neglected, but his condition told a heartbreaking story. His coat was so severely matted that some of the mats were inches deep. He was emaciated, too, as if even something as basic as a meal had been disregarded. And as if all of that wasn’t enough, he had a grapefruit-sized tumor on his testicles.
We can’t help but wonder what happened to Augustus. Did someone once love him? Did he spend years waiting for someone to care for him? We may never know. But we do know that no dog deserves to live in that condition.
After arriving, Augustus developed an upper respiratory infection and was prescribed medication by one of our vets. Shortly afterward, he began experiencing severe neurological symptoms. He was wobbly, uncoordinated, high-stepping, and falling over. The medication was discontinued, but the following day, he couldn’t stand at all.
Our hearts sank. We knew he was suffering, and we had to face the terrifying possibility that he might not recover. But we were not ready to give up until we could give Augustus some good days. We made the decision to give him more time, hoping that with rest and support, he might regain his strength.
And then, something wonderful happened. Augustus began walking again.
He was moved into a loving foster home, where he could finally rest, recover, and receive the care he so desperately needed. His enormous tumor has been removed, along with an ablation procedure to give him relief. The tumor has been sent out for biopsy, and we are anxiously awaiting answers.
Through everything he has endured, Augustus has shown us just how much love this little dog has left to give.
He has become deeply attached to his foster mom and wants to be wherever she is. At night, he sleeps beside her bed, content just to be near his person. He doesn’t need fancy toys or a big adventure. Right now, he seems happiest simply knowing he isn’t alone.
Augustus is still a little wobbly, though he has improved tremendously, and we’re hopeful that more time will bring further progress. He is a sweetheart with other dogs but doesn’t necessarily need canine companions in his forever home. He ignores cats, is fine with children, and is catching on quickly to pottying outside with a consistent schedule. He can be a little nervous in the car.
Augustus is not ready for adoption just yet. For now, we just wanted you to meet him.
Because behind the matted coat, the emaciated body, and the frightening medical struggles is a gentle soul who still wants to love and be loved. A dog who, despite everything, has not lost his ability to trust someone enough to follow them from room to room and sleep peacefully nearby.
We can’t change what happened to Augustus before he came to us. We can’t give him back the years when someone should have been caring for him. But we can make sure that the rest of his life is different.
We want his days to be filled with full meals, gentle hands, a comfortable bed, and a person who never makes him wonder whether he’s wanted. We want him to know that he will never again have to suffer unnoticed or face the world alone.
Augustus has already fought so hard for a second chance. Now, we’re hoping the very best part of his life is still ahead of him.
We’ll keep you updated on his recovery. For now, please keep this special boy in your thoughts. We’re rooting for you, Augustus. Your happily ever after is out there, and we hope with all our hearts that we get to see you find it.
www.ildoberescue.com/adopt/plus-dogs/augustus/
