Some stories break our hearts into a million pieces, and Halia’s is one of them.
This sweet pup was left to fend for herself, spending days alone, hoping someone would stop and offer a helping hand.
When a kind-hearted passerby finally noticed her, Halia was at her lowest point—lying in water and trash, too weak to move. In that desperate moment, all she needed was a gentle voice, a bit of compassion, and a friend.
And within hours, she found more than just one—she found an outpouring of love!
Halia’s Heartbreaking Story
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Donna Lochmann, the seasoned rescuer and Chief Life-Saving Officer of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, received a call about Halia—and without hesitation, she sprang into action.
Over the years, Donna has encountered countless heartbreaking cases, but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw that day. Halia lay motionless in a pile of trash, her frail body barely clinging to hope. The sight shattered Donna’s heart.
Halia’s back legs were completely paralyzed—she could do nothing but lift her head, waiting for someone to finally save her.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The team suspected that Halia had been hit by a car and, with every ounce of strength she had left, dragged herself away from the street. She eventually collapsed near some bushes, where she lay starving and alone—until her rescuers arrived.
Donna and her team approached cautiously, knowing Halia was terrified and unsure of their intentions. Her wary eyes spoke of deep trauma, so they took their time, offering gentle reassurance to earn her trust.
Finally, after moments of patience and kindness, Donna carefully wrapped Halia in a warm blanket and carried her to the car—her long-awaited rescue had begun.
“You Are So Beautiful, We Love You”
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The team rushed Halia to the rescue facility, where they gently dried her off and wrapped her in warm, cozy blankets. Her frail body trembled from the cold, and they did everything they could to help her feel safe and comforted.
To protect her fragile system, they offered only a small amount of food, carefully avoiding the dangers of refeeding syndrome.
It was there, in the shelter, that this brave girl received her name—Halia. She reminded the team of their beloved late dog, Harris, and they chose a name that symbolized remembrance and love.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The Stray Rescue of St. Louis team immediately arranged a thorough veterinary examination for Halia.
An X-ray was performed to determine the cause of her paralysis, but the results were inconclusive. Aside from wounds on her back, there was no clear explanation for why she had lost all feeling in her hind legs.
But the next morning, something remarkable happened—Halia, fueled by a surge of adrenaline, lifted her head and offered a soft, hopeful smile. It was the first sign of progress since her rescue, and in that moment, she filled the entire facility with optimism.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The team made sure Halia experienced warmth and joy in her final days. They took her outside to bask in the sunshine and gave her a gentle ride in a wagon—one she seemed to truly enjoy.
But on the third day, her fragile body gave out. She could no longer lift her head or eat, and her strength faded completely. That same day, Halia lost her battle.
Her rescuers were heartbroken, yet they found comfort in knowing they had given her love, care, and dignity in her final moments. As she drifted away, they whispered the kindest, most heartfelt words:
“We are so sorry. You are so beautiful. We love you.”
Halia crossed the rainbow bridge at peace, surrounded by those who truly cared for her. Rest easy, sweet girl—your memory will live on in our hearts forever.