Neglected St. Bernard Found Locked In A Crate In Abandoned House Weighing 80 Pounds Less Than He Should
Once abandoned in a filthy crate inside an empty house, Stu, a gentle St. Bernard, was left to suffer alone, starving and dehydrated.
But thanks to the compassion of rescuers, his life took a remarkable turn.
Fighting For His Life
When Stray Rescue of St. Louis found Stu, his condition was heartbreaking.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
A full-grown St. Bernard typically weighs between 120 and 180 pounds, but Stu weighed only 43 pounds. He was so weak that he couldn’t even lift his head.
His body was soaked in urine, a clear sign he had been left for far too long without food, water, or care. Every moment counted—he needed urgent medical attention just to survive the night.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“When he arrived, we washed him, got his body temperature up, got him on fluids and fed him a small meal. His body was craving calories and nutrients. That first night was scary – we didn’t know if he would make it,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared on Facebook.
The team bathed him, warmed his body, and gave him fluids, slowly introducing food so his system wouldn’t be overwhelmed. But his bloodwork was alarming, and no one knew if he would make it.
Then, something incredible happened.
By the next morning, Stu wagged his tail and even tried to stand up, as if he knew he had been given a second chance.
The Road To Recovery
With every passing day, Stu fought to get stronger.
Despite his traumatic past, he remained gentle and affectionate, quickly becoming a favorite among the rescue team and supporters following his journey online.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
His kind nature and unbreakable spirit led to an outpouring of support, and soon, a loving foster home was found for him.
Stu was placed with a wonderful family experienced with St. Bernards, allowing him to continue his recovery in a peaceful environment.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Within just days, he gained 20 pounds! Though his tummy was still adjusting, he was eating well and even discovered his new favorite thing—tennis balls.
A Happy Ending In Sight
Stu is now on the path to a full recovery, showered with love and attention. His foster family treats him like royalty, and he enjoys every second of it.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
He’s become a huge cuddle bug, even nibbling on his humans if they stop petting him—because he knows he deserves all the love in the world.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“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 lapdog! Stu buddy, that’s ok for now, until you get to a healthy weight — Then you might smoosh someone,” the rescue team shared.
Though he still has a way to go, one thing is certain: Stu’s future is bright, and he will never feel abandoned again.
