When Dexter went home with his foster, Sarah, for the first time, he didn’t even have the strength to jump into her car without help. 

At only 28 lbs, he was half of what a dog his size should weigh. Every rib, every vertebra was painfully visible under skin covered in filth and sores. He could hardly hold his head up because he was so weak and afraid. 

Prolonged hunger and dehydration can have serious medical consequences, such as anemia and organ damage. But feeding him too much, too quickly could dangerously shock his system. He started a carefully monitored refeeding plan to gently bring him back to a healthy weight.

Once home with her, Sarah said she could tell he was still hurting, but he was hopeful and smart enough to know he was safe. The unbreakable spirit that kept him alive was strengthening. He had a real chance of not just surviving, but living a good, long life.

With time, he began slowly, cautiously wagging his tail. He seemed to be getting used to the idea of happiness and full-time comfort and safety. Sarah said once his tail started, it wouldn’t stop until he fell asleep, snuggled into a tight ball, right by her side.

After 3 months, he reached his goal weight of 52 pounds! 

“His growth in comfort and confidence, as well as a gleaming, thick coat, are the reasons I volunteer to help these wonderful animals who deserve the best life possible,” Sarah said.

Recovery is slow, and sometimes uncertain, but it’s all worth it when the dog who could barely hold himself upright a few months ago jumps up to kiss the face of his new adopter, tail wagging so fast it’s a blur of pure joy.