Winters in St. Louis, Missouri, can be exceedingly harsh, with temperatures plummeting to the single digits—a true nightmare for stray animals. Fortunately, the devoted team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) tirelessly patrols the city, searching for dogs in distress, particularly during those frigid January days.
Photo Credit: StrayRescue
During one of their routine searches, they stumbled upon an abandoned house. What they found there was heartbreaking—a helpless soul left behind, desperately in need of their immediate assistance.
Saved Just in Time
Photo Credit: StrayRescue
As SRSL rescuers approached the abandoned house, they expected it to be empty. But to their shock, they discovered a lone dog left behind in the backyard, chained to a doghouse filled with frozen water.
Curled up on the grass and shivering from the unforgiving weather, the dog’s plight was gut-wrenching. “The cold wind howled, and the cold hurt after being outside for just a few moments. The callousness of this act alone gives us chills,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis wrote on Facebook.
Donna Lochmann, one of the compassionate SRSL rescuers, was devastated to see the dog abandoned in such a state. “Why someone felt you deserved to suffer with that huge chain is one of the world’s greatest mysteries. You’re free,” SRSL wrote.
Photo Credit: StrayRescue
When the dog—lovingly named Eskimo Joe—saw the rescuers approaching, he knew they were there to save him. He greeted Donna with a wagging tail and pressed his body against her as they used bolt cutters to free him. “He stared at Donna during his freedom ride and loved the heated seats,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared.
A New Beginning at a Foster Home
Photo Credit: StrayRescue
After his rescue, Eskimo Joe was taken to the veterinary team for a thorough checkup. Despite testing positive for heartworm, it was a condition that could be easily treated with the right medication.
The rescue team quickly recognized Eskimo Joe’s kind and gentle nature, and he soon found the perfect foster home. His foster mom shared with SRSL, “He is the most gentle soul I have ever met. He is crate trained, potty trained, and loves to go for walks. He is a polite boy, he sits for food/treats, loves a good chin scratch, and has quickly become a cuddly couch buddy.”
Photo Credit: StrayRescue
Eskimo Joe looks completely different now compared to when he was found chained behind the abandoned house. Though he’s still searching for his forever home, he’s relishing all the cuddles and love from his wonderful foster family.
“I’m sure that he’ll find his family soon. He is genuinely curious about the world around him and will need walks and time outside to quietly observe now that he’s free from his chain. This guy is as sweet as can be and deserves nothing but the best! Let’s find his forever home; he’s so ready,” said his foster mom.
If you are interested in adopting Eskimo Joe or another dog from Stray Rescue of St. Louis, visit here.
