Lexi

Meet Lexi No-last-name.

Lexi had a rather rough go of it, but that doesn't dim her generous smiling spirit, not one bit. She's a different sort of hero, but I bet you'll agree that she's a hero, all right.

Lexi is living at Project Hope, a small, privately operated no-kill shelter in Metropolis, Ill. She was found on one of those tie-out cables tangled around and around a tree, until she had less than a foot of slack. And while she was hopelessly pinned to the tree, she delivered and cared for her two puppies.

Board member Susan Howell is certain that the cable got tangled around the tree accidentally, as the young little terrier mix with the velvet muzzle was found far from any dwelling, with no food, water or shelter, and to think anything else is, well, unthinkable. Lexi was starving. But she cared for her two puppies tenderly. She was relieved to get human help, and is grateful to her rescuers.

Now, Lexi and the puppies — both males — are safe, and are thriving under Project Hope's care.

"The pups will be adopted after they are weaned and have received their first vaccines," Susan says. "Lexi will be spayed, vaccinated and heartworm tested before she goes to her forever home.”

So Lexi doesn't have a last name. Yet. But she deserves one. And she deserves a couch and a safe yard and a human of her own. And since you agree that this little dog is a hero, I'll bet you something else. I bet that when Lexi has a special person of her own, she will fill that person's heart with more love than it can hold, and more smiles than any human deserves. Because Lexi has got some lost time to make up for.

Project Hope is a small, privately operated, no-kill shelter located at 1698 West 10th St. in Metropolis, Ill. The shelter currently houses about 40 dogs and puppies, and more than 60 cats and kittens. Donations of cat litter, paper towels, bleach, blankets and towels always welcomed.

You can also donate your time! Dog walking, dog-washing, dog brushing and cat petting are few of the chores manager Lee Parker likes to see people do!

For more info on the shelter and the pets available for adoption, call 618.524.8939, during business hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m.

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