Emaciated St. Bernard Discovered in Forgotten Home, Tiping the Scales at Only 80 Pounds

Meet Stu, a dog who endured a harrowing experience that no furry friend should ever go through. His journey began when he was discovered in a heartbreaking state by Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Abandoned in a crate in an empty house, Stu was left to fend for himself in appalling conditions, surrounded by his own mess. Emaciated and dehydrated, this resilient pup fought for his life against all odds.

dog in bad condition at the clinic

The ideal weight range for a full-grown St. Bernard is typically between 120 and 180 pounds, but when Stu was rescued, he was a long way from reaching that mark. Stu, a mature St. Bernard, was shockingly underweight at a mere 43 pounds and was clearly malnourished. When the rescue team discovered him, he was in a heartbreaking condition—covered in urine, extremely skinny, dehydrated, and too feeble to even lift his head.

st bernard dog curled up

Upon his arrival, we bathed him, raised his body temperature, provided fluids, and fed him a meal. His body was in desperate need of calories and nutrients. The first night was nerve-wracking as we weren’t sure if he would pull through.

His blood work was disordered, leaving us with no choice but to rely on hope and prayer for his survival. This meal in the shelter could have been his first in a while.

 
 

Stu’s remarkable determination shone through as he bravely faced the challenges ahead. Not only did he manage to survive the night, but he also warmly greeted his rescuers the next morning with tail wagging and affectionate kisses. The image below captures the heartwarming moment between a woman and her beloved dog.

woman giving dog a kiss on the head

The Stray Rescue of St. Louis witnessed a heartwarming moment when the dog stood up and greeted everyone, renewing hope for his recovery. All he needed was food, nutrients, time, and of course, love. Stu’s journey to full recovery was a slow one, but each day showed gradual improvement despite the hardships he had faced. Despite it all, he remained gentle and caring, capturing the hearts of staff, volunteers, and people worldwide. The overwhelming support and affection for Stu led to him finding an amazing foster home quickly.

dog in a red car

Stray Rescue of St. Louis recently shared an update on Stu, a furry friend who has found a loving foster home to continue his healing journey. The rescue organization mentioned that Stu is now with a family who has experience caring for St. Bernards and is dedicated to helping him gain weight. Stu, who still needs to visit the clinic twice a week for check-ups, has already put on an impressive 20 pounds since moving to his foster home. Despite battling an upset stomach, he is showing great improvement and has developed a fondness for playing with tennis balls. When he’s not busy napping or resting, you’ll likely catch him happily chewing on his beloved ball. The heartwarming story of Stu’s progress serves as a reminder of the importance of love, care, and second chances for our furry companions.

dog lying on the floor with a ball

Stray Rescue of St. Louis has shared an update on Stu, revealing that he is making great progress. While he still faces some tummy issues and enjoys frequent naps, his overall energy levels are on the rise.

Described as a “love bug,” Stu craves attention and affection so much that he playfully nibbles on anyone who stops petting him. Despite being treated like royalty and thinking he’s a lapdog, it’s all part of the journey until he reaches a healthy weight – then watch out for his potential to squish someone!

Check out this heartwarming image of a St. Bernard sitting contently in a woman’s lap on the couch, embodying comfort and companionship.

st bernard dog sitting in woman's lap on a couch

Check out Stray Rescue of St. Louis on social media to stay updated on Stu, the brave fighter!

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