All canines deserve the warmth and security of a loving home, where they can thrive under the watchful care of devoted owners. Tragically, the reality for many pups is far crueler, as heartless individuals abandon their furry companions, leaving them to fend for themselves on the perilous streets.
Such was the fate that befell Heart and Soul, two inseparable best friends who found solace in each other after being cast aside by their family. Forced to fight for survival near a busy highway, the devoted pair endured the unthinkable until tragedy struck.
One fateful day, Soul was struck by a passing vehicle, leaving him seriously injured. As Heart desperately barked, alerting passersby to her friend’s plight, Donna Lochmann, the chief lifesaving officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, happened upon the scene.
“She was barking at people and being protective. She wasn’t being aggressive, but she was letting people know that that was her friend, he was hurt and she was keeping an eye on him,” Lochmann recounted.
Without hesitation, Lochmann sprang into action, gently securing Heart and carefully transporting the wounded Soul to the safety of the shelter, with the worried pup keeping a watchful eye over her best friend the entire journey.
Saying Goodbye
Sadly, the extent of Soul’s injuries proved too severe, and the shelter staff was devastated to discover that there was nothing they could do to save him. Recognizing the profound bond between the two canine companions, they made the heartbreaking decision to allow Heart to be by Soul’s side as he crossed the rainbow bridge.
“She laid with her head on him, like she was hugging him goodbye. As he went peacefully, she was right there,” Lochmann said, her words tinged with anguish.
The sight of Heart’s unwavering loyalty, as she comforted her dying friend, left the entire shelter staff deeply moved and saddened. Determined to provide Heart with the care and support she so desperately needed, they set about tending to her physical and emotional needs, giving her a soothing bath and showering her with affection.
Profoundly touched by the depth of Heart and Soul’s connection, the shelter staff sought a way to ensure the beloved companions would remain together, even in death. They crafted a special pendant, containing Soul’s ashes, and attached it to Heart’s collar, a symbol of their eternal bond.
“They attached a pendant with Soul’s ashes to Heart’s collar. The keepsake also had a golden wing as a symbol of Soul’s presence in her life. He is her guardian angel who will look after her from doggy heaven.”
With this precious memento, Heart was able to leave the shelter and enter foster care, where she could begin the arduous process of healing from her devastating loss. Her new caregivers, understanding the magnitude of her grief, provided the love and comfort she so desperately needed.
On January 31, 2023, the rescue shelter was overjoyed to announce that Heart had found her forever home, a family who had experienced a similar heartbreak and recognized the depth of her sorrow. Drawn to Heart’s story, they opened their hearts and their home, welcoming the grieving pup with open arms.
“Heart’s parents believed that she was meant for them, and they healed each other’s emotional scars.”
Joining Heart in her new abode was Bo, the family’s existing canine companion, who also knew the pain of losing a beloved friend. Together, the two pups found solace in each other’s company, while Heart’s devoted new parents showered her with the love and attention she so richly deserved.
“Heart leads a happy life. She loves snuggling with her family and doing zoomies. The faithful pup will never forget her best friend, Soul, and she still has the pendant with his ashes attached to her collar.”
Heart’s journey, from the tragedy of losing her soulmate to the joy of finding a new home and family, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and unwavering loyalty that lies within the hearts of our canine companions. Despite the heartbreak she endured, Heart’s capacity to love and be loved has remained undiminished, a testament to the profound bond that can exist between two beings.
As Heart continues to thrive in her forever home, surrounded by the love and support of her new family, her story stands as a beacon of hope – a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light, comfort, and a second chance at happiness. Heart’s loyalty and devotion to Soul, even in the face of unimaginable loss, is a shining example of the unconditional love that dogs are capable of, a quality that makes them such cherished and irreplaceable members of our families.
