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Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue

Hawkins

Hawkins

8/19/25 FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS ~ In loving memory of Hawkins: A foster pup, a fighter and forever loved.

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our sweet boy Hawkins, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge after a courageous battle with complex health conditions. He was not alone—he was surrounded by love, care and the unwavering devotion of his foster mom Sonia, who cherished every single moment with him.

Hawkins came into our rescue in a state that words can hardly describe. He and his “twin” Hazel Bloom had been living in heartbreaking neglect. Their skin was raw and burning, they were covered in demodex, and the smell of infection clung to their fragile bodies. When we first laid eyes on them at the shelter, it took everything in us not to fall apart… and we couldn’t say no. We lifted them up like the precious souls they were and vowed that from that moment forward, they would only know love.

And love is exactly what Hawkins received.

Over the last year, Hawkins lived not just as a foster dog, but as family. He had a warm bed, a full belly, soft blankets and, most importantly, a foster mom who adored him beyond measure. Because of his serious heart condition, Hawkins was considered “fospice” from the beginning. He wasn’t expected to have a long life, and we knew adoption might never come. But Sonia never wavered. She made sure every single day counted.

He went on camping trips. He lounged in the A/C. He gave big personality energy to anyone who met him. He played, napped and soaked up every cuddle. And through it all, Sonia was his rock ~ his constant. Even when his condition worsened this past weekend and he was rushed to the emergency vet struggling to breathe, she stayed strong for him, doing everything she could to give him a fighting chance.

Unfortunately, Hawkins’ little body was carrying more than any dog ever should: a likely lymphoma diagnosis, a failing heart, severe airway syndrome, fluid on his lungs and more. He gave it everything he had, but in the end, his body just couldn’t go on.

But please know this: Hawkins didn’t die afraid. He didn’t die alone.

He died deeply loved, with the soft touch of the person who fought the hardest for him.
Sonia, your love gave him life. Not just in the literal sense, but a life full of joy, peace and dignity. You were his hero, and we are all better for having witnessed the bond you shared.

Hawkins, your journey touched so many. You reminded us why rescue matters. Why love, even when it hurts, is always worth it. We will never forget you. Run free, sweet boy. Your pain is gone now. And your legacy lives on.

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INTRODUCTION: When the shelter staff called, they said they had two Bulldogs for rescue that were in rough shape. They warned us to prepare ourselves.

So, mentally and physically, we prepared ourselves for what we were about to see.

“Rough” can mean anything from old or blind, to starved or too fat to move. More often than not, it means abused or neglected. Some may be feral. Some may be sick.

But how do you prepare yourself for this?

How can anyone see these two Bulldogs every day and simply do nothing? It didn’t happen overnight. It most likely started on their feet. It’s demodex. Their mother likely had it and looked like this too. And every puppy in her litter likely looked like this. It’s treatable and curable.

Yesterday, I think I lost all faith in the human race. It was all Debbie and I could do to not fall apart. But we lifted each dog up and held them like they were fine pieces of China. Their skin was hot~ it felt as if they were on fire. The smell alone would take your breath away. And they had actually already received some care ~ a shelter worker was kind enough to take them home so they could be bathed, medicated and rubbed with cream.

When we left the shelter, the pups rode in silence, looking out the back window. We knew they were leaving a life of misery and abuse behind, but they seemed unsure. You can’t blame them.

Debbie and I rode in silence too, trying to understand how anyone could allow this to happen and not do anything. How could someone let them go and pretend they would be just fine?

Hawkins and Hazel Bloom are the lucky ones. They got picked up by caring animal services workers, who in turn contacted us because they knew these dogs mattered. They may be heartworm positive, covered in demodex and smell like death… but their lives still matter.

6/14/24 UPDATE:  We need help finding a temporary foster family for Hawkins and Hazel Bloom in the Dallas/Fort Worth area! They have both come a long way since they entered our program in April. Look~ they actually have fur now! They both need to see the cardiologist to determine their next steps for surgery.

True besties, these two are a dynamic duo and need to stay together, if at all possible. Both are very sweet ~ Hawkins has a big personality and Hazel Bloom loves to cuddle. Message us to learn how to apply!

7/5/24 UPDATE:   First, look at how pretty they are with fur now!

Hawkins and Hazel Bloom checked out of the vet clinic and checked into their foster home.

As the twins decompress and settle into their temporary home, they will be waiting to see the cardiologist. They both have heart murmurs that need to be checked out before they get the rest of their vetting done.

But in the meantime, you can enjoy watching these precious twins enjoying a home life! Hawkins is way more outgoing than Hazel Boom. She’s more on the shy side and wouldn’t look up!

7/25/24 UPDATE:  The “twins” are headed to the cardiologist this week! We are hoping for some good news, so they can get their surgeries done and get ready to be adopted.

8/14/24 UPDATE:  A few weeks ago, the twins, Hazel Bloom and Hawkins, visited the cardiologist, and unfortunately, the news wasn’t what we had hoped for.

While I won’t dive into the technical details of their heart conditions (we’re including the vet paperwork), it’s clear that Hawkins is in a more critical state than Hazel. Both are not candidates for surgery, which also means they won’t be undergoing spay or neuter procedures.

Hawkins’ heart is particularly vulnerable and could enter arrhythmia at any moment. Hazel has tested positive for heartworms in addition to her heart condition; however, the echocardiogram did not detect any active heartworms. She will remain on heartworm prevention and will be retested in six months.

Although neither Hazel nor Hawkins is expected to have a long life, our rescue is committed to ensuring they enjoy the best quality of life possible for as long as they can.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this challenging time.

2/7/25 UPDATE:  Hawkins had his 6 month cardiologist check up. He didn’t get the best news but he is a happy boy!

7/6/25 UPDATE: Foster kids Hawkins, Hazel Bloom and Duchess Blackbeard have been enjoying their holiday camping excursion! The foster momma said the days have been warm and buggy, so they’ve had to spend a bit more time hanging indoors.