Alex, a Weimaraner dog, was found on the streets of New Orleans and brought to the rabies control center in Vermillion County weighing only 43 pounds.
Alex was so emaciated that when Deanna Theis, deputy director of the Southern Animal Foundation, saw a photo of him, she was surprised he was still alive. She knew he would not survive unless he was removed from the shelter immediately, which he was.
During medical examinations, X-rays showed that Alex was so desperate for food that he ate stones and twigs to fill his stomach.
At first his health was on the verge of collapse. Alex’s intense hunger caused a serious setback when his stomach reacted to the food he was given and began to turn over. Emergency surgery was required to remove foreign bodies and combat the dangerous situation, but the resilient dog made it.
When she was well enough, she was placed with Diane Lundeen. She already had two Weimaraners at home and when she met Alex, she immediately fell in love with him. He fell in love with her too and gained 10 kilos in his first week with her.
Four months later, Diane knew she could not part with this dog whose eyes were so piercing when they first met. Now, after finding a forever home with Lundeen and her new siblings, his eyes are sparkling and full of joy.
In all the photos Alex is currently showing, he is smiling. Lundeen says the boy now weighs almost 80 kilos: ,,His gums have taken on a beautiful color, his eyes are clear and he no longer complains when he sits. He has an incredible enthusiasm for life and that’s wonderful.”
