In St. Louis, Missouri, an alert truck driver emerged as an unlikely hero after noticing a shivering dog abandoned in a roadside ditch.
His sharp observation and unwavering dedication were crucial in saving the dog’s life. Though he couldn’t pull over, the truck driver promptly contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis to report the little puppy in urgent need. This incident reminds us that even in our everyday routines, we all have the power to make a significant difference by reaching out to help those who cannot speak for themselves.
A Call For Help
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Stray Rescue of St. Louis acted swiftly when a vigilant Good Samaritan spotted the little brown and white puppy trembling in a ditch and immediately called for assistance. Upon arriving, the team was surprised to discover a small pup, which they named Odella in honor of the truck driver, Odell, whose call had saved her life. The moment Odella saw Donna Lochmann, Chief Life Saving Officer at Stray Rescue, her tail began to wag. Although she appeared to be a little angel—frightened and hungry yet remarkably friendly—what they didn’t know was that she was in severe pain from having been hit by a car and suffering multiple injuries.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“We couldn’t tell at first, but our clinic later revealed that she had sustained serious injuries—x-rays showed a dislocated hip and a broken foot,” the rescue shared on their blog. This six-month-old girl desperately needed help, and thanks to Odell, she finally received the care she required. “Seeing her trembling alone in that ditch, in pain and distress, breaks our hearts. We are incredibly thankful to the truck driver who spotted her and saved her life. Today, her journey to recovery begins,” they added.
Odella’s Healing Journey
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
To save Odella’s leg, doctors worked quickly to realign her dislocated hip and secure it with a splint. The medical team, along with the rescue, did everything possible to ensure the little pup could keep her leg. Her healing process was slower than anticipated due to an additional femur fracture, but after a few months, she was fully recovered and running happily once again. Throughout her recovery, Odella stayed with her foster mom, Donna, who had previously adopted a couple of rescues. Donna quickly fell in love with little Odella, and their bond grew even stronger. for 12 seconds
To save Odella’s leg, doctors carefully repositioned her dislocated hip and secured it with a splint. The medical team and rescue organization went to great lengths to ensure that the little one could keep her leg. Although her recovery was delayed by an additional femur fracture, after a couple of months she was fully healed and running on all fours once again. Throughout her healing journey, Odella stayed in the loving care of her foster mom, Donna, who—already experienced in rescuing animals—quickly fell head over heels for this sweet little angel.
Source: Donna Lochmann
From the moment Odella arrived at Donna Lochmann’s house, it was clear she was here to stay.
In a Facebook comment, Donna remarked, “She just never left. She came in, unpacked her bags, and that was pretty much it!” Now, Odella is thriving with her mom and her furry siblings. Donna also shared, “She has the happiest personality, bouncing from one dog to another to find a playmate. She adores her toys and peanut butter kongs.”
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
None of this would have been possible without Odell and his kindness.
One call transformed this sweet pup’s life—from lying in a ditch with broken bones and no one to care for her, to thriving in a loving family.