Help Give Lex a Second Chance at a Happy Life

Hey everyone,

My name is DeJuan, also known as @stayunusual on social media and I’d like to share quick story of an incredible dog named Lex (a resilient German Shepherd) who very recently wandered into my life when I least expected it, but when he needed help the most.

It all started while I was out on a job site picking up a dumpster rental that I had just dropped a couple of days prior. Just another hot sunny day of work, or so I thought. As my helper and I were loading the dumpster onto the truck I noticed a big German Shepherd peek around the side of the house behind the trash can. He immediately approached us in a slow and unsure manner. At first, we were a little on edge as he creeped toward us since we had no idea of his temperament and it was clear that no one was supervising him. As he got closer, I could see that his ribs were showing through his thick coat. He was tired, dehydrated, and even had a limp. My helper then hesitantly reached his hand out and the dog immediately folded his ears back, tucked his head, and subtly wagged his tail. Although skittish, it was at this moment that I knew this was a cry for help. He just didn’t know how to ask for it.

I quickly went back to my truck to grab my Chick-fil-a cup that had leftover water in it. He rushed to the cup and drank as much as he could leaving just a little bit of water left. This confirmed to me that this was indeed a cry for help. My first thought was to take him in based on the clear neglect he was receiving but before doing so I reached out to the customer who rented the dumpster from me to ask whose dog that was. He informed me that he belonged to the neighbor directly behind him. I then told him that I just wanted to double check with him before accidentally kidnapping someone’s dog. He then reached back out to me a few minutes later letting me know that he reached out to that neighbor. This is when he informed me that the dog belonged to the neighbor’s son and that the son has since moved out, leaving the dog behind. My customer then said that the neighbor told him that I can take him. This left me with the assumption that the parents of the son has been neglecting him since the son left and had no intention of bringing him back in which would explain why he had no collar, no harness, and no tags. Just tired eyes and a fragile body.

Given this information we jumped into action to rescue this pup. I haven’t personally owned a dog since I was a kid and had no intention of getting one yet but here we are. Not to mention, German Shepherds were always my favorite breed growing up as a child and it has since been a dream of mine to own one. This is when it dawned on me that if I somehow manage to get him into the truck, not only would I be able to give this pup a much better life and save him from the streets, but that a childhood dream of mine could very well come true at a time when I least expected it. After multiple failed attempts to get him into the truck we were finally able to get him in.

I have decided to name him Lex which was inspired by Lex Luthor, the name of a DC Comics character who too was born into a troubled household. Despite everything he’s endured, Lex has shown nothing but gentleness and gratitude. He wags his tail when he sees me, leans into pets, and is slowly learning to trust again.

Since finding Lex, he has been under my care. I plan to bring him to a local vet as soon as I possibly can to get him a complete health check up. I also want to take him to a groomer to get him completely cleaned, treated for ticks/fleas, get his teeth cleaned, and get his nails professionally clipped as they are excessively long. Which is where I need your help. Although it’s clear to me that he’s underweight, I’m not sure if he has any untreated infections, parasites, and/or any possible hip injuries being that he does have stiffness in his hind legs and a bit of a limp sometimes when he walks. After extensive research as well as help from other GSD owners I have been informed that this is likely from a condition called Hip Dysplasia. A well known condition that German Shepherd’s are prone to. If not that, then it can very well be an injury. As we all know medical bills of any kind can add up quick, including vet bills. With the initial exam, X-rays/diagnostics, medication/antibiotics, deworming, vaccines, blood tests, possible hip surgery or physical therapy, and even basic supplies like food, crates, supplements, etc. I’m expecting it to add up fast. I’m committed to giving Lex the second chance he deserves, but I can’t do it alone. I’m asking for your help to cover his medical expenses and ensure he gets the proper care, treatment, and love he needs to heal and thrive.

Every dollar goes directly toward Lex’s recovery. I will be updating this post with realtime updates of all treatments, supplies, and cost associated to maintain transparency.

Even if you can't donate, sharing Lex’s story would mean the world. With your help, we can turn a heartbreaking story into one of hope, healing, and new beginnings.

Thank you for taking the time to read Lex’s story, and for any support you can give. Whether it’s $5, $50, or just spreading the word. A little goes a long way.

It fills me with joy to say that Lex has found his way home but this time, for good.

With gratitude,


DeJuan Booker


@stayunusual on all platforms