Sick Puppy Overcomes Every Setback to Celebrate Her First Birthday
Seven months ago, Alex almost didn’t live to see her first birthday. The German Shepherd Dog arrived at Streethearts Project in October 2024 very sick—riddled with mange, extremely underweight, and in need of urgent care. She spent four days in emergency veterinary care before she was stable enough to continue her recovery in a foster home.
While at the veterinary hospital, Alex received X-rays, which revealed another unpleasant surprise. Both of her hips were damaged. It wasn’t something the vet or Kristin Erwin, the president of Streethearts Project, had expected.
They focused on building Alex’s strength so she would be strong enough for surgery. Around Thanksgiving and Christmas, she underwent two separate FHO (femoral head ostectomy) procedures for each hip.
Alex spent the following months recovering—eager to be a playful puppy again. But her foster family kept a watchful eye on her. In the new year, doctors confirmed that her hips were healing properly, and she was once again free to run, jump, and play.
But just as Streethearts was preparing to transport her to Gal’s Best Pal in Massachusetts, the rescue helping with her adoption, Kristin received shocking news: Alex had tested heartworm positive.
Kristin wrote, “After everything she’s been through, she said we’re not done yet. She was heartworm negative at intake but unfortunately those pesky worms can take months to mature and be detected. If you own a dog/cat, heartworms are 100% preventable by you with a simple, monthly pill. Alex is only 10 months old and has to go through treatment.”
No one was happy about the setback. During her heartworm treatment, they had to tamp down her natural puppy energy yet again. Streethearts Project shared, “It’s been tough restricting her activity, especially when you’re as friendly and playful as Alex is, but we know this will all be worth it in the end!”
Once again, Alex rallied. She finally got a clean bill of health—just in time to celebrate her first birthday. In a heartwarming video, Kirstin shared footage of Alex’s celebration, captioning it, “Almost forgot this is the whole point.”
Today, Alex is running and playing with her foster pals, as happy as a dog can be. It’s night and day from when she first arrived at the rescue. With any luck, Alex soon will be on her way to her forever home.
Streethearts Project has Alex as available for adoption. Reach out to Gals Best Pal for details.
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