Sweet baby Dexter has landed in FBRN care, and not a moment too soon! Dangerously underweight and terribly ill, this poor little dude has endured more in his nine short months than most dogs do in a lifetime. But just look at those bright, mismatched eyes! Dexter is a fighter, and has the spirit to match. We can’t wait to see his transformation, and we’re grateful you’re along for the journey!

Dexter was an owner surrender at a crowded Florida shelter, which immediately realized he needed more medical intervention than they could provide. Dexter was having explosive, bloody diarrhea, and at only 10 pounds was nothing but skin and bones. Fortunately, he’s heartworm and parvo negative, but he’s clearly got some GI issues that need to be diagnosed and treated. Double fortunately, he’s got a loving foster family who is dedicated to his health and happiness, and who doesn’t mind the occasional cleanup on aisle 6.

The first item of business is to get Dexter’s tummy troubles figured out, and to put some meat on those bones. Luckily, this guy is a champion eater, to the point where he can hear the fridge door opening from 4 rooms away and will blast into the kitchen like a bolt of Frenchie lightning. We are thrilled to report that in the short time he’s been with us, he’s already put on a pound! Keep it up, baby boy! All that running will also help strengthen Dexter’s wasted muscles, particularly in his legs—you can see that he’s got “kennel paws,” caused by too much time spent in a wire cage and not enough time spent frolicking about. But Dexter doesn’t let it get him down. Despite all of his ailments, he is a bouncy, affectionate, happy-go-lucky pup who’s never met a stranger—even if he hasn’t met you, he already loves you!

Dexter already made his debut on our Facebook page, and his wish list sold out in record time. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who bought a blanket or a bone to help make this little dog’s life brighter. But if you didn’t get a chance to get Dexter a little somethin’-somethin’, and you’d like to support him on this journey, you can still become his sponsor! Just click on that “Donate” link and tell us it’s for Dexter. He will be sure to thank you with his tippity-tappity Frenchie dance!