Abandoned St. Bernard Found 80 Pounds Underweight has First Meal

A St. Bernard has a brighter future ahead of him after he was found just days away from dying in an abandoned house where he had been left in a crate soaked in his own urine. Stu was found severely emaciated and dehydrated in a home in St. Louis on December 22nd and rushed to Stray Rescue of St. Louis for emergency care.

“He’s at least 80 pounds underweight,” Stray Rescue wrote. “An adult St. Bernard should weigh anywhere between 120-180 pounds, and Stu is just 43 pounds.” The dog was so weak he couldn’t stand up. He simply curled up in the veterinary office while the rescue team’s veterinary team put him on “warming support” right away.

They also gave Stu his first meal in a very long time. “We have to feed him very small amounts and slowly so we don’t shock his system,” rescuers wrote. “He’s so gentle for being almost starved to death.”

The next day, Stray Rescue was relieved and delighted that Stu had survived the night. “Not only did he make it through the night, but he greeted us this morning with tail wags! He even stood up and walked to each of us for nuzzles,” they said.

The rescue team was still concerned for him because his bloodwork was “all over the place.” But his determination told them he has a survivor spirit. They wrote, “It looks like we have a warrior boy on our hands!”

On Christmas Day they provided an update to their supporters on Facebook. “Today we took him out to the yard for some fresh air as he has more energy today. It was a rainy Christmas Day, but it was also a balmy, gentle day.” Stu looks so much better already in his festive Santa hat.

Stray Rescue continued, “He’s just taking it one day at a time, and WOW have you all blown him away with love, hope, and well wishes!! We can’t thank you enough, we know he feels it. You make our miracles happen.”

And Stu was in for another miracle just a day later! Stray Rescue of St. Louis announced on December 26th that “Stu has left the building.” He hasn’t been adopted yet but he’s got the next best thing – he’s going to a medical foster home where he will be well looked after!

Stu is going home with Stray Rescue’s front desk manager’s mom, the rescue revealed.

“That first night was scary – we didn’t know if he would make it. But not only did he make it, but his big beautiful eyes were wide open and he greeted us with tail wags! He just needed food! Our staff and volunteers fell in love with him, including thousands of people all over the world! Today, he broke out of one of our small clinic spots and is going to continue treatment in a home where he can rest and stretch his legs,” Stray rescue shared.

“This sweet family grew up with St. Bernards and can’t wait to help him gain weight,” they continued. “He went home with our front desk manager’s mom, so he is still in the family and will continue to post lots of updates as he continues his healing journey!! He has to come back twice a week for check-ups.”

Stu is already settling in and loves his big bed (just for him) and the other dogs in the family.

We’re so happy to hear that Stu’s healing journey will continue with a loving family close to Stray Rescue of St. Louis. We know Stu will be showered with the love he deserves.

To support Stray Rescue of St. Louis and dogs like Stu visit: www.strayrescue.org/donate

Stu pupdate:

Stray Rescue of St. Louis writes, “He is doing great. He has more energy but still takes lots of naps. He is still having some tummy trouble, so we are working with him on that. He is such a love bug. If you stop petting him, he nibbles on you until you give him more attention. He is being treated like royalty and thinks he’s a lap dog! Stu buddy, that’s ok for now, until you get to a healthy weight – Then you might smoosh someone!”