2-Year-Old Dog, Who Was 'So Emaciated and Weak That He Couldn’t Even Lift His Head,' Gets a 'Second Chance' at Life

"He still has a long road ahead — but his spirit remains unbreakable," said Austin Pets Alive of the dog, named Rolo

Nicholas Rice
·2-min read
Austin Pets Alive  Rolo the dog.

Austin Pets Alive

Rolo the dog.

A young dog is getting a "second chance" at life — thanks to aid provided by two Texas animal shelters.

On Jan. 28, the 2-year-old mixed-breed dog, named Rolo Junior, arrived at the Austin Animal Center, where he was "in critical condition" and "so emaciated and weak that he couldn’t even lift his head," according to a press release from Austin Pets Alive shared with PEOPLE.

Rolo was eventually hospitalized at an emergency clinic and diagnosed with emaciation, anemia, scrotal dermatitis, a heart murmur, hookworm and ataxia, which prompted him to get a blood transfusion, the release said.

But, with the care the dog needed being "beyond what the city shelter could provide," the Austin Animal Center contacted Austin Pets Alive for help, and they took in Rolo on Feb. 3.

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Austin Pets Alive  Rolo the dog.

Austin Pets Alive

Rolo the dog.

Related: Neglected Puppy Who Was 'Skin-and-Bones' Gets Adopted After 'Miracle' Recovery: Didn't Think 'She’d Make It'

Since then, Austin Pets Alive said that Rolo "has been receiving intensive care to help him gain strength."

The organization added that "his daily medical costs are estimated to be $250, and he still has a long road ahead — but his spirit remains unbreakable."

"Despite his fragile state, he leans in for snuggles and kisses whenever he can," continued Austin Pets Alive.

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Austin Pets Alive  Rolo the dog.

Austin Pets Alive

Rolo the dog.

According to Austin Pets Alive, "Rolo wakes up every day with one goal: to get as many kisses and cuddles as possible."

The canine, who is currently living with a foster while waiting to be adopted, "continues his journey to good health" and "is gaining strength day by day," the organization added.

Austin Pets Alive also said that Rolo "does very well in a crate and is very good about using the restroom outside" and detailed how "he loves to curl up in his bed and show affection to any human he meets, a perfect addition to an adoptive family."

Read the original article on People