Winters in St. Louis, Missouri, can be harsh, with temperatures often plummeting to single digits—dangerous conditions for stray animals.
That’s where Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) steps in. Their dedicated team works tirelessly, searching the city for dogs in need, especially during the freezing days of January.
During one of their searches, they stumbled upon an abandoned house. A closer look revealed a helpless soul left behind, desperately in need of immediate rescue.
Saved By The Bell
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
As SRSL rescuers pulled up to an abandoned house during their search, they expected to find just that – an abandoned house. However, they quickly realized that one soul was left behind in the backyard.
To their disbelief, they found an adorable dog, clearly once someone’s beloved pet, chained to a doghouse filled with frozen water.
Curled up on the grass and shivering from the bitter cold, the poor pup looked defeated. “The cold wind howled, and the chill was unbearable after just a few moments outside. The cruelty of this act alone gives us chills,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared on Facebook.
Donna Lochmann, one of SRSL’s compassionate rescuers, was heartbroken by the sight.
“Why someone felt you deserved to suffer with that heavy chain is one of the world’s greatest mysteries. You’re free,” the rescue team wrote.
The moment the dog—affectionately named Eskimo Joe—spotted his rescuers, he seemed to understand help had arrived.
He greeted Donna with a wagging tail and leaned into her as they used bolt cutters to set him free.
Eskimo Joe had endured so much, barely surviving without food or water. But those harsh days were finally behind him, thanks to the compassionate efforts of SRSL. He was now on his way to a safe haven, where he could heal and feel loved once again.
Donna scooped him up and placed him in her warm Jeep for his freedom ride.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“During his freedom ride, he kept his eyes fixed on Donna and happily soaked up the warmth of the heated seats,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared.
At A Foster Home
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
After his rescue, Eskimo Joe was welcomed by the veterinary team for a thorough checkup.
Unfortunately, he tested positive for heartworm, but thankfully, it’s a treatable condition with the right medication.
It didn’t take long for the team to see Eskimo Joe’s true nature—a kind and gentle soul. His sweet demeanor quickly led him to the perfect foster home, where he could finally experience the warmth and care he deserved.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
His foster mom shared with SRSL, “He is the most gentle soul I’ve ever met. He’s crate trained, potty trained, and loves going for walks. He’s such a polite boy—he sits for food and treats, adores a good chin scratch, and has quickly become a cuddly couch buddy.”
Eskimo Joe already looks like a completely different dog from the day he was found chained behind the abandoned house.
While he’s still searching for his forever home, he’s soaking up all the love and cuddles from his wonderful foster family.
It’s only a matter of time before he finds the perfect family to call his own.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“He’s 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 sweet boy deserves nothing but the best! Let’s find his forever home—he’s more than ready,” his foster mom shared.
If you’re interested in adopting Eskimo Joe or another dog from Stray Rescue of St. Louis, visit their website to learn more.