Animal rescuers can’t take a day off. No matter the circumstances or temperatures, they come to the aid of every animal that needs their help. On a freezing 4-degree day in St. Louis, a woman noticed a dog near an abandoned house and decided to call Stray Rescue of St. Louis for help. Little did she know, the dog was not alone. Inside the abandoned house, the dog was huddled up with her puppies, desperately trying to keep them warm. As the rescuers approached the house, they could hear the puppies whimpering, a sure sign that they needed immediate assistance.
Donna, the leader of the rescue team, reassured the mother dog as they approached, telling her, “We’re going to help you and your babies.” The puppies were crawling on their mom, trying to stay as close to her as possible for warmth. The mother dog was initially unhappy about being leashed and pulled out of the house, but Donna continued to reassure her, saying, “Mama, we’re not going to hurt your babies. We’re going to get your babies too, don’t worry.”
Despite the challenging circumstances, the mother dog had done an excellent job caring for her puppies. They were chubby and well-fed but definitely needed to get out of the freezing cold. The rescue team carefully gathered the puppies and placed them with their mother in the Jeep, where they began to settle down and warm up. It was clear that they were much better off in the vehicle than they were in the cold, abandoned house.
Once they arrived at the rescue facility, the dogs were provided with blankets and food. They quickly became comfortable enough that they didn’t need to huddle together for warmth any longer. When asked how long the dogs were at the facility before going to a foster home, a rescue team member responded that they left the very next day and have been doing really well ever since.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis is dedicated to helping animals in need, and this particular rescue mission was especially heartwarming. As Donna stated, “I just don’t think puppies should have to start their lives like that. It’s heartbreaking to see them, and yet the best feeling ever to get them out of that situation.”
The team’s dedication and compassion for these animals not only saved their lives but also gave them a chance at a better future. The mother dog and her puppies are now in a loving foster home where they can continue to grow and thrive together.