While traveling through St. Louis, Missouri, a sharp-eyed truck driver became an unlikely hero after spotting a tiny puppy, shivering and alone, in a ditch along the road.
His attentiveness and willingness to act in the moment ultimately changed a life. Though he wasn’t in a position to stop himself, he wasted no time contacting Stray Rescue of St. Louis to alert them about the helpless pup who clearly needed urgent help.
Moments like these remind us that even the smallest gestures during routine moments can lead to life-saving outcomes—especially for those who can’t speak for themselves.
A Desperate Plea For Help
Stray Rescue of St. Louis was quick to respond to the distress call from the kind-hearted trucker, who had seen the small brown and white pup huddled and quivering in a roadside ditch.
Upon arriving, rescuers were surprised to find a young dog who was clearly in pain, yet wagged her tail at the sight of Chief Life Saving Officer Donna Lochmann. They lovingly named her Odella—after the truck driver, Odell, who had made the life-saving call.
Though friendly, Odella was weak and in distress. At the time, rescuers had no idea just how much she was suffering internally.
Hidden Injuries Come To Light
“We couldn’t tell at first, but sadly our clinic informed us that she has some significant injuries. X-rays indicate a dislocated hip and broken foot,” the rescue shared in their blog.
Odella, just six months old, had been hit by a car and was suffering in silence. Fortunately, her luck had turned around. Thanks to Odell’s timely call, she was now getting the care she so desperately needed.
“To picture her quivering in that ditch all by herself and hurting breaks our heart. We are so grateful to the truck driver who somehow spotted her and saved her life. Her healing journey begins today,” they added.
Step By Step, Odella Recovers
Veterinarians were determined to save Odella’s leg. They repositioned her dislocated hip and secured it with a splint to stabilize her.
While her recovery was expected to be straightforward, complications from a femur fracture extended the timeline. But after a few months of rest and expert care, Odella was finally back on her feet—literally.
She spent that time healing in the care of her foster mom, Donna, who had already rescued and adopted several dogs. It didn’t take long before it was clear: Odella had found her forever home.
A Forever Kind Of Love
From her very first moments in Donna’s house, Odella fit right in.
“She just never left. She came in, unpacked her bags, and that was pretty much it!” Donna said in a Facebook comment, confirming what everyone already suspected—Odella had claimed her spot in the family.
Now, this once-abandoned pup enjoys every day in a home filled with love and furry siblings.
“She has the happiest personality and bounces from one dog to another to find one that will keep playing! She loves her toys and peanut butter kongs,” Donna wrote.
All of this joy and transformation came from one compassionate act—a simple call from a truck driver who didn’t look away.
What began as a heartbreaking roadside discovery has turned into a joyful new beginning. Odella is no longer a frightened, injured pup in a ditch, but a beloved member of a family that adores her.