Update 8/34/15: Everest has been adopted!!!
The story of Everest and his family has inspired over 170 donors to donate close to $15,000 to Sarah’s Fund. Everest, his two siblings, mother, and father were rescued from neglect by our Animal Control Officers and brought to the shelter. Everest and his brother and sister were so thin that their ribs, hip bones, and spine were easily visible under their skin. Everest was the sickest of the three puppies and had to be hospitalized for intensive 24-hour veterinary care in an effort to save his life. After spending some time at the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, Everest was released to the care of a foster family.
His foster family included AWLA volunteer, Jim, his wife Kim, and two other dogs, AWLA 
alumni Huckleberry and Malia, also a rescue dog. The family fell in love with Everest, as we all did, and adopted him today! Here Everest is with his new dad Jim, AWLA veterinarian Dr. Kaci Angelone, Adoptions Manager Joanna Fortin, and Foster Coordinator Sara Glennon.
Everest has made a full recovery. He is growing daily and fully embracing puppyhood. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you all for your generosity and support. Everest would not be here today without you. Thank you!!!
Update 7/1/15: Everest is doing incredibly well and is being fostered by one of our wonderful dog volunteers who recently lost his dog of nearly 19 years. It looks like they are both helping each other feel better. Everest has lots of energy and loves sunbathing and hunting for bugs. We thank everyone who donated towards Everest’s care and sent good thoughts to him – it is with all of your support that he was able to survive!
Original Story: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria recently rescued an entire family of German Shepherds who had been living without proper care in the City of Alexandria. Our Animal Services Officers are looking into charging their former owner. The father, mother and their puppies are now safely in our custody.
When they arrived, the three puppies were in terrible shape. They were extremely emaciated, sick, and filthy. One of the puppies, Everest, needed to be immediately transported to VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital for 24-hour intensive veterinary care. Our AWLA veterinarian, Dr. Kaci Angelone, felt that if Everest had gotten to us even one day later – he would have died.
Everest is still at VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital on IV fluids and a host of medications. Even with VCA’s generous discount, the cost of his care will be over $1000/day. He is so thin that his ribs, hips, and spine can easily be seen under his skin. The veterinarians are trying everything they can to help him survive. Everest has a very long struggle ahead of him and his prognosis is “guarded”.
If you would like to help Everest with his “climb” to recovery, please donate now to AWLA’s Sarah’s Fund. Gifts to this fund care for very sick/injured shelter animals. If you donate, we will send you updates on Everest’s recovery progress.