A dog who was eating twigs and rocks only a few months ago has found happiness.
Alex, a 43-pound Weimaraner, was found on the streets of New Orleans and taken to Vermillion Parish’s Rabies Animal Control.
Alex was so malnourished that Deanna Theis, assistant director of the Southern Animal Foundation, was surprised he was still alive when she saw a photo of him.
She knew he wouldn’t survive unless he was pulled from the shelter right away, so she did.
X-rays revealed that Alex had been so hungry that he had eaten rocks and twigs to fill his stomach while undergoing medical tests.
In the beginning, his health was iffy. Alex’s severe starvation caused him a serious setback when his stomach flipped in response to the nutrition he was receiving.
He needed emergency surgery to remove the foreign objects and treat the dangerous condition, but the brave dog pulled through.
He was placed in foster care with Diane Lundeen after he had recovered sufficiently. She already has two Weimaraners at home, and when she met Alex, she instantly fell in love with him. He, too, fell in love, gaining 10 pounds in his first week at home with her.
Diane knew she couldn’t let go of the dog whose eyes were so haunting when they first met four months later. Those same eyes are shining with joy now that he’s found a forever home with Lundeen and his new siblings.
Every picture Alex is in now, he’s smiling.
Lundeen says that he is almost 80 pounds now: “He has good color in his gums, his eyes are bright, when he goes to sit down he doesn’t whine. He has this incredible joy for life that’s awesome.”
Way to go, Alex! I’m so happy to see him make such a miraculous recovery.
