Every dog deserves the warmth and security of a loving home, where they can truly thrive with care and protection.
It’s heartbreaking to see some owners abandon their dogs in unsafe places. Left to survive on their own, these loyal pups cling to the hope that their family will return.
Heart and Soul, two inseparable best friends, faced a tough fight for survival after being abandoned near a highway. Betrayed by their family, they found strength and comfort in each other.
Help Is On The Way
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The two best friends were always together until one tragic day when Soul was hit by a car on a highway in St. Louis. Heart, seeing her beloved friend injured, grew frantic and began barking for help. Her cries caught the attention of a group of people who quickly gathered around them.
Donna Lochmann, the chief lifesaving officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, was driving along the same highway on her way to the shelter. When she spotted the commotion, she immediately pulled over and rushed to help the dogs.
Heart’s barking grew louder and more desperate, refusing to leave Soul’s side.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“She was barking at people, not out of aggression, but to make it clear that this was her friend, he was hurt, and she was standing guard,” Lochmann explained.
The rescuer carefully approached Heart, calming her enough to slip on a leash and lead her to the car. Once Heart was secure, Lochmann gently carried Soul and placed him in the back seat.
As they headed to the shelter, the worried pup kept glancing back, never taking her eyes off her injured friend.
Saying Goodbye
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
At the shelter, Heart refused to leave Soul’s side.
“She watched closely, keeping an eye on the vet,” Lochmann recalled.
Sadly, X-rays revealed that Soul’s injuries were far more severe than anyone had hoped. The shelter staff and vet team were heartbroken, knowing nothing more could be done.
They brought Heart into the room to be with her best friend during his final moments. When she saw Soul, it was as if she understood everything.
“She laid her head on him, like she was hugging him goodbye,” Lochmann said. “As he passed peacefully, she stayed right there.”
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Watching Heart say goodbye to Soul left the entire shelter staff heartbroken.
Determined to help her heal, they vowed to give Heart all the love and care she needed to overcome her grief.
Her caregivers gently bathed her, giving her the fresh start she desperately needed. They made sure she had plenty of rest, showering her with love and attention, softly stroking her fur and offering comfort in every way they could.
Soulmates Will Always Be Together
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Deeply moved by Heart’s unbreakable bond with Soul, the shelter staff found a special way to keep the soulmates connected.
They attached a pendant containing Soul’s ashes to Heart’s collar. Alongside it hung a golden wing, symbolizing his eternal presence. Now, Soul watches over her as her guardian angel from doggy heaven.
Heart didn’t stay long at the shelter. Soon, she found comfort in a loving foster home, where her new family surrounded her with affection, helping her heal with gentle care and endless love.
Heart Starts A New Life
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
On January 31, 2023, the rescue joyfully announced that Heart had found her forever family. Her new parents were deeply moved by her story, having experienced the same heartbreak when their beloved dog, Cheyenne, passed away.
They instantly fell in love with Heart, knowing she was the perfect fit for their family.
Their dog, Bo, warmly welcomed Heart into their home. Having lost his best friend, he understood her pain and quickly became her loyal companion.
Heart’s new family believed she was meant to be with them, and together, they healed each other’s emotional wounds.
Today, Heart lives a happy life, surrounded by love. She adores snuggling with her family, racing around in joyful zoomies, and playing with her parents’ grandsons.
Though she’ll never forget her best friend, Soul, she still wears the pendant with his ashes on her collar—a constant reminder that he’s always by her side.