We admire our dogs for their incredible zest for life. They wake up every single day excited to smell new smells, chase new critters, and give as many kisses as they possibly can. Watching their exuberance for every new day is rather inspiring. If you’re looking to be wow-ed by the power of a dog’s determination to make the most of his life, check out the story of Lazarus.
Lazarus is a four-year-old German Shepherd mix who literally defied all odds to be where he is today. When Lazarus’ guardian decided to move away from Ozark, Alabama, she surrendered her pup to a local animal shelter.
Lazarus had been recently hit by a car – an injury that veterinarians say he should not have survived. Already in rough shape, the poor pup was not adopted during his first week at the shelter and was scheduled to be euthanized.
According to NBC News, Animal Control officer Wanda Snell watched as the veterinarian injected the euthanasia needle into the dog. After the initial shot, the dog still had a faint heartbeat so the vet injected him with another shot and soon after pronounced him dead. Snell recalls that while the dog moved a bit, he was still and quiet by the time she left to go home that night.
But, when the shelter staff returned the next morning, the dog was sitting up – very much alive! He had even finished off the food that had been left in his bowl the day before. He was a little bit shaky, but alert and aware nonetheless. The staff named the resilient dog “Lazarus,” after the Biblical figure who rose from the dead.
A researcher and animal advocate from UAB saw the story of Lazarus on the news and contacted Two-by-Two Animal Rescue about the dog. Within a few hours, Lazarus was collected by Sonya King, founder and executive director of Two-byTwo, and transported from Ozark to Helena, Alabama where she lives.
In an interview with AL.com, King explains that this little dog took an immediate liking to his nick-name. ”It only took a couple of seconds,” King said. “I said, ‘Lazarus, I’m so glad to meet you.’ And he responded to his new name.”
Lazarus now lives with King and her family and has become a wonderful addition to their family! Lazarus does have a threatening case of heart worm, but King is confident that in a few months this special dog will be “out of the woods.”
Lazarus is certainly an incredible dog, and we wish him all the very best in his new happy life! Keep on, keepin’ on little dog!
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