Ethan the dog is gaining weight and ready for the next step in his recovery

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- In just 12 days, Ethan the dog has gained 27 pounds and thousands of fans supporting his road to recovery.

On social media, the Kentucky Humane Society says the dog that was left emaciated and dying in their parking lot on Jan. 29 is up to 65 pounds.

Ethan has become a social media darling. Posts of his recovery have been a hit with people from around the country, who have donated toys and money to help in his recovery from severe neglect and starvation.

The vet staff is giving Ethan plenty of food and affection. The KHS post says he has even been opening the gate to his nursery to spend time with them.

In another post to social media Thursday evening, the shelter shared a video of Ethan getting plenty of love from a KHS staff member, which is something they say the staff does every morning to make sure he knows he's loved.

A little video from this morning so you can see how Ethan begins his days while at @kyhumane! After the trauma he's been through, we have taken it upon ourselves to make sure he knows every single day how loved he truly is. All the belly rubs & affirmations for our baby Ethan :) pic.twitter.com/NQR231nhUJ
— KY Humane Society (@kyhumane) February 11, 2021

The best news is that Ethan is well enough now to be released to the care of an experienced staff member at the end of the week, so he can continue his rehabilitation in a loving foster home. He will return to the shelter daily for specialized care and to be monitored.

IMAGES | Neglected Ethan the dog being nursed back to health at the Ky. Humane Society

"So far he has surpassed all of our wildest expectations and continues to amaze us with his remarkable recovery," reads the KHS post on Facebook.

While Ethan's story has gained national attention, the humane society says it sees dogs in his condition regularly.

Andrea Blair, with KHS, said the shelter has helped thousands of abandoned, abused and neglected animals in the Louisville area. All of the donations coming in for Ethan will help save more animals this year.

The shelter knows there is a lot of love out there for Ethan and his story, and is grateful for the support, but wants to remind people of the many other animals that also need help.

"We all have shelters in our area and they are full of animals that are just as deserving of love and second chances as Ethan," Blair said. "So, No. 1, we encourage people please look to your local shelters, if Ethan's inspires you, think about who you can rescue."

To see all of the animals up for adoption at KHS, click here.