2-Year-Old Dog, Who Was 'So Emaciated and Weak That He Couldn’t Even Lift His Head,' Gets a 'Second Chance' at Life

Mar. 15, 2025

Rolo the dog.Photo:Austin Pets Alive

Austin Pets Alive

On Jan. 28, the 2-year-old mixed-breed dog, namedRolo Junior, arrived at theAustin Animal Center, where he was “in critical condition” and “so emaciated and weak that he couldn’t even lift his head,” according to a press release fromAustin Pets Aliveshared with PEOPLE.

Rolo was eventually hospitalized at an emergency clinic and diagnosed withemaciation, anemia, scrotal dermatitis, a heart murmur, hookworm and ataxia, which prompted him to get a blood transfusion, the release said.

But, with the care the dog needed being “beyond what the city shelter could provide,” the Austin Animal Center contacted Austin Pets Alive for help, and they took in Rolo on Feb. 3.

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Rolo the dog.Austin Pets Alive

Since then, Austin Pets Alive said that Rolo “has been receiving intensive care to help him gain strength.”

The organization added that “his daily medical costs are estimated to be $250, and he still has a long road ahead — but his spirit remains unbreakable.”

“Despite his fragile state, he leans in for snuggles and kisses whenever he can,” continued Austin Pets Alive.

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According to Austin Pets Alive, “Rolo wakes up every day with one goal: to get as many kisses and cuddles as possible.”

Austin Pets Alive also said that Rolo “does very well in a crate and is very good about using the restroom outside” and detailed how “he loves to curl up in his bed and show affection to any human he meets, a perfect addition to an adoptive family.”

source: people.com