OPELOUSAS - Rescue workers in St. Landry Parish say they’ve received a plea for help from individuals who found a dog that was close to starvation.

St. Landry Parish Animal Control & Rescue described the dog, now named “Forever,” as “skeletal” and so emaciated he couldn’t stand.

The dog was rushed to Bellevue Animal Clinic in Opelousas after it was found where veterinarians described him as “statue-like” and said he felt like a sack of ice. His gums were white and he was very lethargic, according to Dr. Kevin Fuselier of Bellevue Animal Clinic.

Xrays showed the dog had not had food or water in at least four to five days, and his organs were shutting down. The veterinary staff said Forever was so hungry that he tried to eat the dog food can when they were feeding him. Veterinarians concluded that Forever was dying from starvation when he was found.

Forever has remained in the care of Dr. Fuselier since Monday afternoon. The vet says he is not out of the wood yet and will not be stable for some time. When he eats, he falls over from exhaustion, according to the doctor, but he is continuing to struggle back to life.

St. Landry Parish Animal Care & Control lacks the funding for cases like this. While donations and employees are pitching in to help Forever, they are in dire need of help from the community so the dog can have a chance to flourish. Donations for Forever’s care can be made directly to Bellevue Animal Clinic at (337) 942-7126. You can learn more about Bellevue Vet Clinic at their website.