Dog Who Was Starved Can Barely Hold His Head Up and Needs Your Help to Survive (PHOTOS)

When the beautiful German Shepherd mix, now called Apollo was found, his condition was so critical that he could not even move. Lying in the road, the unfortunate dog was only getting worse with every passing minute – but, miraculously, he was found in time and given the priceless help that saved his life.

Apollo was found in central Arkansas by a kind person who, upon discovering the animal, rushed him to the Jacksonville Animal Shelter. From there he was taken immediately to the vet. The team soon learned that the dog had not been hit by a car, as one would expect, Apollo’s story was much different – and worse. According to Rocky Ridge Refuge (RRR), the organization who is planning to take in the dog, he has been starved almost to death and, as it seems, dumped on the road after the long period of abuse…

With his life-threatening condition, the dog was far too weak to walk or even just lift his head. After his first night at the vet, Apollo’s carers were told that, unfortunately, they should consider euthanasia.

The shelter, however, could not give up on him. Its director decided that the dog deserved more time. The tests Apollo underwent showed that the dog does not suffer from any disease that would cause the emaciation – and the only possible reason seems to be deliberate starvation.

Over the few days Apollo spent at his new place, he made some improvement – he managed to hold his head up as well and eat and drink on his own. He is still too weak to sit or stand up – but he is fighting and making his guardians feel hope.

He still has an incredibly long road ahead of him – but his slow but sure improvement is a wonderful news. His blood work came out good and, thanks to better hydration, he now weighs 35 pounds.

The dog will be coming to RRR once he is stable and ready for the move. There, he will recover further, hopefully becoming more and more of himself every new day.

Since Apollo’s medical costs are climbing, the organization will be grateful for all and any financial help towards his recovery – you can make a donation through the shelter’s Facebook page.

To learn more about Rocky Ridge Refuge, click here.

All image source: Rocky Ridge Refuge & Jacksonville Friends of the Animals/Facebook