Late last week, NYC Second Chance Rescue received a plea from the city shelter to help a critically ill dog named Lux. The tiny poodle had been carried into the shelter as a stray.
Lux was not able to stand; he was so emaciated that every bone protruded from his body. His coat was matted and soaked in both urine and feces. The pressure sores and fleas were causing him excruciating pain.
Shelter volunteers and staff knew Lux had not been a “stray.” No doubt he had been a victim of abuse. Even strays are able to find scraps to eat. This tiny dog’s injuries were consistent with having being locked in a kennel with no food, no care and no chance of escaping.
Because of overcrowding and the expense expected for his extensive medical issues, the city animal shelter could not provide Lux with the emergency help he needed. In turn, they called upon one of their companion rescue organizations for help.
NYC Second Chance Rescue couldn’t let Lux be humanely euthanized; their hearts sprang forward:
Our hearts broke all over again as the vet read his report: Severe emaciation, Hypovolemic shock, Hypoglycemia and dehydration, Non-regenerative anemia, Mixed acidosis, Painful, infected pressure sores, Severe matting.
But when rescuers looked into his eyes, there was still that flicker of hope; a quiet plea for a second chance.
Lux was rushed to a critical care veterinary hospital. His latest update does show a small step forward; his glucose level has stabilized, and as you can see in the following video, he even took a few tentative steps:
Lux is still too weak to regulate his body temperature and is receiving round-the-clock heat support. He has been slowly adapting to eating so as not to risk refeeding syndrome.
The one glimmer of hope is that, despite his history of dangerously low glucose and body temperature, Lux is not showing signs of sepsis.
He is receiving antibiotics, IV fluids, care for his many open wounds, pain management, heat support and overall supportive care. His blood work is being checked daily, and his electrolytes are being monitored closely. An electrolyte imbalance will be the first sign that he is entering re-feeding syndrome; paying close attention to those numbers is vital and why he needs 24-hour care.
This is what abuse looks like. This is what happens when laws fail to protect animals, when they are treated as nothing more than property, their pain and suffering overlooked.
Their abusers rarely held accountable.
Many thanks to the continuing support from animal advocates. You are all the reason that the most vulnerable ones like Lux get a chance.
NYC Second Chance Rescue is teaming up with Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue to save his life.
To donate:
PayPal: [email protected]
Zelle: [email protected]
Venmo: @NYC-SCR (Under Charities not People)
(Beware of imposter accounts on Venmo that vary slightly in name.)
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