A pup who was discovered floating downstream in a cardboard box has finally been welcomed into a warm, new home.
A man discovered a 2-month-old puppy that needed assistance and contacted Austin Pets Alive!, as stated in an early October Facebook post.
The puppy, who has been aptly named “Kayak,” was found floating down a river in Texas inside of a cardboard box. It is unclear where he came from originally.
Based on what we know, it’s probable that Kayak was abandoned by his prior owner. APA took him in and discovered he had canine parvovirus, which is a very contagious dog virus that often proves deadly if ignored.
According to Suzie Chase, community relations officer at the shelter, when Kayak arrived he was severely underweight at only 16 pounds. “He was in really, really bad shape,” said Chase. The medical manager reported that Kayak was receiving fluids due to crashing upon arrival but had gained two pounds by the next day.
Thankfully, the shelter had an ICU that could treat his Parvo, and they saved his life. Kayak reportedly soon returned to normal.
Needless to say, it was a tough few weeks for Kayak. However, after making it through being abandoned in the river and contracting parvo, things started looking up as he began searching for a new home.
When Ascencia Barajas and her 3-year-old daughter arrived at the shelter in Austin looking for a dog, they were drawn to Kayak thanks to his calm demeanor.
Ascencia told Today that out of all the puppies, “Kayak was just calm, cool, and collected.” He went on to say that Kayak’s big ears that sit to the side are adorable. His explanation for why his daughter took such a liking to Kayak is that he didn’t bark at her as the other puppies did.
After she realized that it was meant to be, Ascencia adopted Kayak. She said her new dog “settled in right away” in his new home. However, baths are still an issue for him likely because of his traumatic experience in the river: “He’s been through a lot,” Ascencia said sadly.
She says that Kayak loves his new family and playing fetch. He is much happier now, compared to when he was left for dead. a few weeks ago
The good Samaritan who went out of his way to save Kayak’s life by finding him in the river and bringing him to a shelter was thanked profusely by both Ascencia and Austin Pets Alive!
We’re overjoyed that Kayak finally found a home, especially after all he’s been through. Dogs are truly man’s best friend, so please share this good news if you feel the same way!