When a frightened, frail, and severely ill animal wandered up to Sharon Bertozzi’s front porch in California, she naturally assumed it was a stray dog in desperate need of help. The poor creature looked completely exhausted and terrified. It barely moved, as if it lacked the strength to take even a few steps, and its fur was patchy with rough, crusty skin on its back—later identified as mange, a painful and contagious skin condition caused by parasitic mites.

Without hesitation, Sharon sprang into action. Her heart broke for the animal, and she knew it needed immediate help. She quickly contacted the local animal services, hoping they could rescue the sick animal and give it the care it clearly needed. She thought she was saving a homeless dog—but what she had actually found turned out to be something else entirely.

The City of Folsom Animal Services team promptly responded to Sharon’s call and arrived to assess the situation. With great care and patience, they coaxed the animal into a secure cage for transport. The creature, by now completely drained, did not resist. Despite its sad condition, there was something captivating about its eyes—an unspoken plea for help that touched everyone present.

When rescuer Sallysue Stein arrived and took a closer look at the animal, she immediately realized that this was not a dog at all. What Sharon had rescued wasn’t a domestic pet—it was, in fact, a wild coyote. The animal, which would later be named “Princess,” had been mistaken for a dog due to her emaciated state and bedraggled appearance. Her thin frame, sunken eyes, and matted fur gave her the look of a neglected pet, which is why no one questioned her identity at first.

Princess was transported to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR), a nonprofit organization specializing in the rehabilitation of wild animals in distress. At GCWR, the team wasted no time in providing the care Princess so desperately needed. She was lethargic, malnourished, and suffering from mange, but she was finally in a safe place where she would be treated with compassion and expertise.

Sallysue Stein, a seasoned wildlife rehabilitator with GCWR, was deeply moved by Princess. Despite her suffering, the coyote had gentle, soulful eyes that seemed to convey gratitude and a plea for help. “She had such soft eyes,” Sallysue later said, “eyes that told me, ‘Please, help me if you can.’” That emotional connection strengthened her resolve to help the animal recover.

Princess was given a warm, soothing bath to begin treating her damaged skin. The team of veterinary specialists provided her with medication, topical treatments, and a healthy diet to restore her strength. Over time, her fur began to grow back, and her once-crusty skin started to heal. Slowly but surely, Princess transformed before their eyes from a sick and skeletal creature to a healthy, lively coyote.

As Princess regained her strength and confidence, she was introduced to other coyotes being rehabilitated at the facility. It was clear she felt more at ease when she was around her own kind. She began to behave more naturally—howling, playing, and communicating like a true coyote. Her instincts reawakened, and her spirit was visibly lifted.

In the wild, coyotes often face negative perceptions. They’re frequently seen as nuisances, particularly in suburban and urban areas, due to occasional attacks on pets or encroachment into neighborhoods. Because of this, many people are less inclined to show them compassion. But at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, every life matters—domesticated or wild, familiar or misunderstood. The mission of the center is rooted in the belief that every animal deserves a second chance, and Princess was no exception.

“I truly believe we have a duty to help,” said Cindy, another member of the GCWR team. “And when it’s possible, our goal is always to return them to the wild, where they belong.”

Thanks to months of dedicated care, Princess was ultimately ready to go back home—not to someone’s porch, but to the wilderness, where she was born to roam. Her transformation was remarkable. The coyote that had once clung to life on Sharon’s doorstep now stood tall, strong, and free. The joy on her face as she was released into the wild was unmistakable. It was a powerful moment, not just for the animal, but for everyone who had been a part of her journey.

Looking back at the photos of Princess when she was first discovered, it’s almost hard to believe she’s the same animal. The difference between the frightened, sickly creature curled up outside Sharon’s home and the healthy, vibrant coyote bounding back into the wild is nothing short of extraordinary. Her recovery was the result of compassion, swift action, and a team of dedicated animal lovers who believed that even a wild animal, often overlooked, was worth saving.

We may never know exactly how or why Princess ended up outside Sharon’s home that day. Perhaps she was seeking shelter, or maybe she sensed that someone kind lived there. What we do know is that her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that empathy and kindness can have—even across species lines. It’s easy to dismiss animals like coyotes because they’re not traditionally beloved or cuddly. But Princess’s story proves that every creature, no matter how wild or misunderstood, deserves a chance to live and thrive.

So let’s take a moment to recognize the incredible people who stepped up for Princess—from Sharon, who made that first call, to the animal services team, and finally to the staff and volunteers at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue. They didn’t just save a life—they gave a wild soul the gift of freedom and the chance to flourish.

If this story touched you, please consider sharing it. Let it be a tribute to the everyday heroes who choose compassion, who act when others might turn away, and who remind us all that kindness has the power to transform lives—no matter how small, scruffy, or wild they may be.