Winters in St. Louis, Missouri can get very cold, with temperatures falling below freezing. This weather is dangerous for stray dogs.
That’s why the hardworking rescuers at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) search the city to help dogs in trouble, especially on freezing winter days.
During one search, the rescuers came upon an empty house. When they looked closer, they discovered a dog who desperately needed their help.
Saved Just in Time
Image Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
As the SRSL rescuers pulled up to the empty house, they expected it to be abandoned. But in the backyard, they quickly realized someone was left behind.
To their shock, a cute dog chained to a doghouse was curled up on the grass, shivering hard. The dog’s water bowl was frozen solid.
“The cold wind stabbed through our coats, and it hurt to be outside for just a few minutes. Leaving this dog here is incredibly cruel,” Stray Rescue posted on Facebook.
SRSL rescuer Donna Lochmann felt heartbroken seeing the dog suffer.
“Why someone felt you deserved to be chained up is a huge mystery. But now you’re free,” SRSL wrote.
When the dog saw Donna, his tail started wagging. He knew she was there to save him.
Image Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
He pressed his body against Donna as they used bolt cutters to set him free.
A Rough Life
Image Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The dog, named Eskimo Joe, had fought to stay alive without food or water. But thanks to SRSL, his days of suffering were finally over.
Donna gently picked him up and placed him in her warm Jeep to take him to safety.
“He stared at Donna and loved the heated seats,” Stray Rescue posted.
Checkup and Foster Home
After his rescue ride, Eskimo Joe met SRSL’s veterinary team for a checkup. Unfortunately, he tested positive for heartworms, but it’s a treatable condition.
SRSL quickly noticed Eskimo Joe has a very sweet and gentle personality. So he soon found a great foster home.
Image Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
His foster mom said, “He’s the gentlest dog I’ve ever met. He loves walks, chin scratches and snuggling on the couch.”
Already Eskimo Joe looks totally different than when he was found chained up. He gets lots of love from his foster family while he waits for his forever home. I’m sure he’ll find a loving family very soon.
His foster mom said, “He’s curious about the world now that he’s free to explore. This sweetheart deserves only the best. Let’s find him the perfect home!”
An Abandoned House
During one freezing winter day in St. Louis, Missouri, the caring rescuers at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) were searching the city for dogs in need of help. As they pulled up to an abandoned house, they expected it to be empty. But a shocking discovery in the backyard proved them wrong.
Chained to a frozen doghouse was a shivering dog desperate for saving. SRSL rescuer Donna Lochmann felt heartbroken to find the dog abandoned and left alone to endure the bitter cold.
“Leaving this dog here to suffer is incredibly cruel,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. The team wasted no time using bolt cutters to cut the chain and set the dog free.
A Tail-Wagging Rescue
The moment the terrified dog saw Donna approaching, his tail started wagging with joyful relief. He knew he was being rescued at last. As Donna cradled the dog in her arms, he pressed his body tightly against hers, overwhelmed with gratitude.
After placing the dog gently in her warm Jeep, Donna transported him to SRSL for a veterinary exam and tender loving care. The ride to freedom restored the sweet dog’s weary spirit.
“He stared at Donna and loved the heated seats,” SRSL wrote, moved by the heartwarming scene.
Image Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Heartworms But Full Of Heart
Sadly, medical tests revealed the dog, named Eskimo Joe, has heartworms. But despite his suffering, he possesses a gentle, loving soul. SRSL quickly found Eskimo Joe a foster home where he continues recovering, happier than ever before.
“He is the most gentle dog I’ve ever met,” his foster mom declared. Receiving affection and comfort for the first time, Eskimo Joe spends his days blissfully napping on cozy couches. Long walks and chin scratches fill his life with simple joys.
As his curious, sweet spirit heals, Eskimo Joe patiently awaits a forever home with a family who will love him as much as he loves cuddling. Thanks to compassionate rescuers, this deserving dog survived abandonment and now looks forward to a bright future ahead.