Sick Rescue Dog 'Too Weak to Stand' Bravely Shows He's 'Not Ready to Give Up'
Some dogs that are rescued from abuse or neglect have serious health conditions due to a lack of care and nutrition. Many of these canines often just need the proper medical intervention, along with attention and time to heal, to have a full recovery.
Rojo is an adorable rescue dog who recently became a resident at Old Souls Animal Rescue after being held at a shelter. The precious pooch was in poor health and even recommended for euthanasia, but Rojo showed everyone he's a survivor.
@oldsoulsanimalres Animal Rescue Story: ROJO This rescue dog's intake notes at the shelter said to consider euthanasia. He was severely underweight, barely eating, and too weak to stand for long. He was also battling Valley Fever that had spread to his spine and pelvis, along with a grade 3–4 heart murmur. Despite everything stacked against him…ROJO was still trying. And in his first 48 hours at Old Souls Animal Rescue, we started to see him come back to himself. Eating more. Wagging his tail again. And winning everyone over with his sweet personality and unmistakable underbite. His recovery still has ups and downs, but ROJO keeps showing us he's not ready to give up. So we're not giving up on him either. If ROJO's story moved you, please like, comment, share, or repost to help him reach more people. And if you're able, you can support his ongoing medical care through the link in our bio or at oldsouls.org. Thank you for your support! #animalrescue#rescueanimals#animalrescuestory#rescuedog#dogrescue
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The TikTok from @oldsoulsanimalres told Rojo's story and described the poor condition he was in when he arrived at the rescue.
"This rescue dog's intake notes at the shelter said to consider euthanasia," the caption shared as Rojo lay on the floor. "He was severely underweight, barely eating, and too weak to stand for long."
Rojo had a severe fungal infection that affected several parts of his body, and suffered from a heart condition.
"He was also battling Valley Fever that had spread to his spine and pelvis, along with a grade 3–4 heart murmur," the video explained.
Rojo Had More Life to Live
Despite all of his ailments, Rojo showed clear signs that he wasn't quitting and wanted to recover.
"In his first 48 hours at Old Souls Animal Rescue, we started to see him come back to himself," the story continued as Rojo gained more energy and began miggling with his fellow four-legged roommates. "Eating more. Wagging his tail again. And winning everyone over with his sweet personality and unmistakable underbite.'
Though Rojo still has more healing to do, he's definitely up for the challenge.
"His recovery still has ups and downs, but Rojo keeps showing us he's not ready to give up - So we're not giving up on him either," the video concluded.
The canine cutie clearly has a spring back in his step, along with lots of love and support from the rescue staff.
Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home is located in Tucson, Arizona, right outside of Saguaro National Park. This special organization gives geriatric, special needs, and hospice animals a wonderful home to live out their final days with lots well-deserved love, affection, and plenty of snuggles.
To learn more about this amazing rescue or to make a donation, visit their website or their social media accounts on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 7:10 PM.