When rescuers first met Dex, a tiny pug found wandering the streets of Austin, Texas, they weren’t sure if he’d make it. At barely a year old, the pup weighed only 10 pounds and was nearly blind. His body was ravaged by mange, infections, and months of neglect.

But thanks to the compassion of rescuers — and the love of a forever family — Dex’s story turned from heartbreak to hope.

A Dire Beginning

In January, Dex was picked up as a stray and taken to the Austin Animal Center. There, he waited out his mandatory stray hold in a cage, unable to receive the urgent medical care he so desperately needed.

Thankfully, Pug Rescue Austin stepped in just in time. When founder Signe Corbin assessed him, the reality was worse than anyone expected.

His mange had stripped nearly all his fur, leaving only a curly puff on his tail. He had severe skin infections, painful corneal ulcers, and chronically dry eyes.

“He squinted and kept them closed most of the time,” Corbin explained.

Fighting for His Health

Dex’s treatment plan was intense. He was dewormed, placed on pain medication, antifungals, and antibiotics, and given frequent medicated baths to soothe his inflamed skin. To save his eyesight, his foster mom had to administer five types of eye drops every two hours — around the clock.

Rescuers worried his suffering had broken his spirit. But slowly, Dex began to heal — both inside and out.

Small Signs of Hope

In the beginning, Dex was timid and withdrawn, too scared to connect. But as his pain eased, his true personality peeked through.

“He was very scared the first few days,” Corbin said. “But as he started to heal and feel better, he quickly warmed up to people and became particularly attached to his foster.”

Soon, he discovered a love for fleece blankets, cozy dog beds, and curling up against his foster mom. A week later, he wagged his tail for the first time. Another week later, he began playing with toys and other dogs.

A Community of Support

Word of Dex’s fight spread quickly online. Using the hashtag #dexupdate, hundreds of people followed his recovery. Supporters donated money, supplies, toys, dog pajamas, and even homemade healing salves.

Among his fans was Beth Legacki, a woman who had already adopted two pugs from Pug Rescue Austin. She had been following Dex’s updates closely and was deeply moved by his transformation.

When Dex was finally healthy enough to be adopted, Beth was first in line.

A Forever Family

Meeting Dex in person for the first time was overwhelming.

“I cried,” Beth admitted. “He was shy, but I knew in my heart he belonged in our home.”

It didn’t take long for Dex to fit right in with his new family — which included five other rescued dogs. Despite his small size, he quickly showed his spunky side, play-fighting with his bigger siblings and claiming toys and treats with confidence.

“He’s tiny and the most confident and feisty of our pack,” Beth said. “He’s super proud and knows he has ‘street cred.’”

From Street Life to Snuggles

Today, Dex is almost unrecognizable. His fur has grown back, his eyes have healed, and his personality shines. He’s playful, mischievous, and endlessly affectionate.

“He is a little shadow always attached to a human,” Beth said. “He loves to sleep under the covers.”

Most importantly, Dex finally gets to live the carefree puppyhood he was denied for so long.

“He makes us laugh. He brings warmth and love,” Beth shared. “It’s hard to not get emotional when we look at him and think about where he came from.”

A Story of Second Chances

Dex’s journey from a sick, hairless stray to a beloved family dog is proof of what rescue can do. What began as a hopeless case became a celebration of resilience, community, and love.

“Our home is filled with ‘thrown away’ dogs,” Beth reflected. “And we couldn’t imagine a life without them.”

Now, Dex isn’t just surviving — he’s thriving, handsome, happy, and surrounded by the family he always deserved.