It’s devastating to see how some dog owners can be so heartless. Rather than giving their loyal pups the love they deserve, they abandon them without a second thought.
Today’s story is about Malea, a gentle dog who was cruelly abandoned. She was heartlessly left in a scorching dumpster with the lid shut, as if her life didn’t matter.
Trapped and helpless, she waited for kindhearted people to rescue her and finally give her the love she so desperately needed.
Rescuers Rush To Save The Sweet Pittie
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
A compassionate man in a Missouri neighborhood saw the heartbreaking sight and immediately called Stray Rescue of St. Louis for help.
Without hesitation, the rescue team, led by chief life-saving officer Donna Lochmann, rushed to the scene.
As they lifted the dumpster lid, they were met with the most trusting and hopeful pair of eyes staring back at them.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
The sweet pup wagged her tail with a joyful smile, overjoyed that someone had finally come for her. At last, she knew she wasn’t alone—someone cared.
The rescuers felt a wave of relief knowing the dog was safe, but their hearts ached at the thought of someone being so cruel to such an innocent soul.
“We tried to hold back tears, but this really choked us up. It was so hot inside; we’re thankful she didn’t pass out,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared on Facebook.
They shuddered to think what might have happened if she had been trapped in the scorching dumpster any longer.
Malea Gets Showered With Love During Her Freedom Ride
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Lochmann climbed into the dumpster and gently stroked the Pittie, who would later be named Malea. After slipping a leash around her neck, she carefully lifted the pup to safety.
The rescuers carried Malea to their car and set off for the shelter in St. Louis, where she would finally be safe.
Grateful beyond words, Malea showered her heroes with kisses, licking their faces as if to thank them for saving her. Lochmann held her close, reassuring her that she was loved and valued.
“You’re a beautiful girl. You do not belong in the dumpster. You are not trash. You are NOT trash. No. You’re a beautiful girl. Your life matters. Yes, it does.”
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Malea rested her head on her rescuer’s shoulder, finally feeling safe for the first time in a long while.
As they drove toward the shelter, the team received another urgent call—two puppies had been abandoned in a downtown parking lot and needed help.
Without hesitation, they changed course and rushed to the location. When they arrived, the two little puppies greeted them with pure joy, as if they knew help had finally come.
With all three rescues safely in their care, the team headed to the shelter, ready to give them the love and care they deserved.
Searching For A Loving Home
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Since the shelter was at full capacity, the two puppies were placed in foster care, while Malea joined the shelter’s Rovernight program, which allows people to host a dog in their home for a few days.
“She’s in a loving home being spoiled! She gets along great with other dogs and is gentle with little kids, too,” shared Natalie Thomson, the rescue’s Director of Marketing.
Now, all three pups are surrounded by love and care as they wait for their forever homes.
There’s no doubt they will find the families they’ve been dreaming of—because these pups aren’t just strays. They’re treasures, and they deserve to be treated as such.
Malea’s story is a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to take action when we see an animal in need. A single call to a rescue or local shelter can make the difference between life and death for a helpless creature.
We are incredibly grateful to the Good Samaritan who refused to look away and contacted the rescue after witnessing Malea’s heartbreaking abandonment. Because of his compassion, she was saved just in time.