Reese Was Too Weak to Stand. On Day 11, She Stayed on Her Feet for Nearly a Minute.

Reese made it into the car, then collapsed. She’d been found on a street in Paterson, New Jersey, and weighed just 17 pounds. She was too weak to stand on her own. The people helping her got her to an animal hospital, where the staff began warming her up.

When I think about those first days, I keep coming back to the cards people sent her. While hospital staff watched for changes in her heart rate and blood pressure, people who’d heard about Reese sat down and wrote to her. 

There was still a lot of waiting ahead. Then, on day 11, the dog who’d collapsed in the car got to her feet without anyone holding her up. She stayed there for nearly a minute.

The night Reese was found

It was December 2019 when volunteers from Jersey Pits Rescue and Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge helped get Reese to Oradell Animal Hospital. Her temperature was low, so staff warmed her slowly and gave her fluids through an IV. Even in those first hours, she managed to lift her head and give kisses while staff cared for her.

The YouTube channel Animal Shelter later shared a video account of Reese’s recovery and credited Jersey Pits Rescue. That account follows her from the moment she collapsed in the car through the days when her caregivers were waiting to see how much strength she’d get back. 

Why the first few bites mattered

Early in her hospital stay, Reese managed to eat a little food. When I read that, I wanted someone to set a full bowl in front of her. But a little food was already progress, and her care team was taking things slowly. 

ASPCApro notes, “In the initial refeeding period, electrolytes should be used to evaluate the possibility of refeeding syndrome.”

That’s one reason a vet team may check bloodwork as a severely underfed dog starts eating again. Those first few bites give the team a chance to see how the dog responds as food is reintroduced.

A kiss on the third day

By day three, Reese’s heart rate and blood pressure were steadier, according to the video account. Her rescuer leaned in and kissed her.

I like that the video leaves room for a moment that small. On her first night, Reese had managed to lift her head and give a few kisses while people tended to her. Now someone could lean in and give one back, with a little more reason to believe she’d pull through.

Nearly a minute on her feet

On day 11, Reese stood without anyone holding her up. She stayed on her feet for nearly a minute.

Think of how often your dog gets up to follow you into the kitchen or see who’s at the door. Most days, you’d barely notice. For Reese’s caregivers, there was a reason to stop and watch.

VCA Animal Hospitals notes, “Other goals of rehabilitation therapy are increased strength, endurance, and flexibility.”

That gives readers a way to think about two things they can see in that moment. Getting up takes strength. Staying up takes stamina. In the days that followed, Reese’s steps grew steadier. By June 2020, she’d recovered and had a family of her own.

A puzzle toy and a seat in the car

At home, Reese’s family got to see what she enjoyed. She liked walks in the park, puzzle toys, and a Kong filled with peanut butter. She also kept an eye on the house and let her family know when the mail or a package arrived.

Best Friends Animal Society explains how a food-dispensing toy works. “You put treats or meals in the toy and the dog has to figure out how to get the food out.”

If you try one with your dog, start with an easy puzzle and put a little of their usual food inside. Give them time to figure it out before trying a harder one.

Of all the things Reese’s family said she liked, I’m happiest to picture her going for a ride. The first car in her story took her to the hospital. Months later, she had a family to go for rides with and a home to come back to.

If someone you know could use a little good news today, share Reese’s story with them.

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