When Southern Animal Foundation found Alex, a skeletally thin pointer, at Vermilion Parish Rabies Animal Control in New Orleans, they knew he needed a lot of help.
Alex’s bones were clearly visible beneath his thin black coat of fur. He was 2 years old but only weighed 40 pounds. He hadn’t had a good meal in a long time and x-rays showed he had been surviving on of rocks and twigs. If he didn’t get help soon, it looked like he might not make it.
Southern Animal Foundation to the rescue
This rescued pointer, Alex, was in bad shape. He’d been neglected and was eating rocks. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
After just a few days of loving care, things were already improving. Almost a week with Southern Animal Foundation and he’d gained 8 pounds. In their Facebook update, the foundation posted:
Making small progress every day. Alex doesn’t know a stranger, and loves to be out on walks. His appetite is great and he loves his new toys he’s been receiving. Alex is one happy dog and he knows he’s been saved.
Alex had a lot of health problems, but he fought and survived
Screenshot of Alex shortly after Southern Animal Foundation took him in, all skin and bones.
Still, it wasn’t an easy recovery. Alex had heartworm, which couldn’t be treated until he gained more weight, and had to have emergency surgery when his stomach flipped. Thankfully, though, he pulled through. It probably helped knowing he now had people who cared about him.
Although it was tough, Alex had a lot of love and support
After his surgery, Alex got a lot of pampering. He went on walks to take in the fresh air and meet the passersby. His caretakers at the foundation thought the “positive energy” was good for him:
Alex isn’t sure what all the fuss is about, but he’s enjoying the attention he’s getting when he’s out for a walk. He’s become a little bit of a local celebrity! People say hello to him when he goes out for a walk, honk their horns & give him a thumbs up!
Alex doesn’t have to fear for his life anymore. Now he can be a carefree dog, go on walks, and enjoy spotting ships along the shore. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
Alex got a lot of other little luxuries, too, all of which made life seem more normal and safe. He got an orthopedic bed and a name tag, and got to play with a lot of fun toys.
Alex still looks thin, but his life has greatly improved. He’s enjoying playing with some fun toys. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
To help Alex, the foundation created the hashtag #savealex and asked for donations.
Alex got better and started looking for a forever home
After about a month, Alex was up to about 62 pounds and almost ready to go to a foster home. He even met a “potential little sister.” According to the foundation, they “hit it off right away.”
Alex meets another pointer! She might even become his sister. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
In the meantime, Alex was content to go on walks with his friends at the foundation, go to the park, and of course, play ball. Life was certainly looking up.
Alex enjoys playing outside. It’s a day in the life of a normal, adorable dog with his ball. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
A nice lady with two other dogs took Alex home to foster him
By December, two months after the foundation had picked Alex up, the kind woman with the cute Weimaraners decided to foster Alex. By then, he was 68 pounds. He still had to finish his heartworm treatment, but he’d made it through the worst. If everything went well with his foster mom, he’d even have a place to call his home pretty soon.
Alex is doing much better. He has put on a lot of weight, and is healthy enough to go to a foster home. If things go well, it’ll be his forever home. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
Of course, who couldn’t love Alex? He seemed to get along really well with his new brothers and sisters.
Alex playing with his Weimaraner brother and sister. Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
Alex’s foster family couldn’t let Alex go so they adopted him
After a few months with his foster family, they decided to adopt him. It looks like they couldn’t be happier!
It looks like things worked out! A happy family with a pointer adopted Alex! Screenshot via Southern Animal Foundation.
It’s amazing what care and love can do. With a little help and a lot of hugs, Alex made an incredible transition, transforming into the wholly formed, healthy, happy dog he was meant to be.
So glad he has found his forever home. The mind boggles how he had got into the state he was in when found. I have a collie who we found running amok in traffic. She has had 13 happy years, and still going strong. Hope he does.
Such a good dog, I am in tears! Thanks to the family who adopted him!
Alex is beautiful. so glad he got the help he needed. thank you.
This is one more example of the power of love and infusing an animal with your strength to get them moving down the road to recovery! The fact that there are so many more waiting means no resting on ones laurels! It means onto the next little kid who needs that love and strength!
Than you to all involved in rescuing Alex and giving him a chance in life. He is gorgeous and I pray he has now found his happy ever after family well done to them
Hope you enjoy your new life Alex! You certainly deserve it. Thank you to all involved in helping this little boy, especially the familly who adopted him.
Fantastic story about that poor dog ,I’m so glad he was found an ended up being adopted an gained weight ,it’s so nice when a story ends up realy good ending