When Metro Animal Care & Control put out a rescue plea for a severely emaciated dog, we were happy to answer the call and welcome the neglected pup to Nashville Humane. We named her Luxe, and after a thorough exam with our veterinary team, it was clear her condition was dire. She was thin, frail, and terribly frightened. While our veterinary team tended to her physical health, the rest of our staff began helping her feel loved and safe. She stayed in staff offices during the day, attended meetings, and when we thought she was ready, we gave her the most luxurious accommodations a shelter can provide: a foster home.

When an emaciated dog arrives, our veterinary team first gets a weight and creates a strict feeding plan that everyone must follow. This is especially tough because our natural instinct is to give the dog as much food as they want. However, this could lead to refeeding syndrome, which is life-threatening. Our veterinary team carefully monitors body weight with regular check-ins, and we’re happy to say that Luxe has gained 32% of her body weight since arriving! She initially had some scrapes and hair loss, but now she sports a shiny, smooth coat and an aura of confidence.

Cases of animal neglect are not uncommon. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing your limitations and when to ask for help. Shelters like NHA and MACC have resources to help! If you are struggling to provide for your pets, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Visit our website to learn more about our Community Resource program and the support it can provide to pet-owning families in our community.

Thanks to your support, Luxe has been given a second chance. However, it’s an unfortunate reality that there will be more neglected dogs who will need our help. If you can give on this $5 Friday, even if it’s just a little, together, we can ensure the dogs that need us most will receive the care and support they need. Thank you so much! 🙏♥️