For Donna Lochmann, chief life-saving officer in Missouri, rescuing animals is far more than a job — it’s her calling.
Seven years ago, while driving through the city searching for a particular dog, Donna noticed something shifting inside a pile of trash. Curious and concerned, she pulled over to investigate and uncovered a heartbreaking surprise hidden among the garbage bags.
Huddled into a tiny ball, the frightened animal blended so well with his dark coat that he was almost invisible.
In that moment, Donna sprang into action — a decision that would forever change both of their lives.
A Furry Friend In Need
Donna worried the dog might get startled and bolt, so she approached carefully, speaking to him in the gentlest voice.
Up close, his condition was devastating. He was emaciated, weak, and instead of trying to flee, he simply surrendered.
The poor pup lay completely still, not even lifting his head until Donna reached his side.
When their eyes met, his expression told the story of neglect and loneliness. Donna could see years of suffering reflected in that look.
As soon as she wrapped him in her arms, the dog experienced what love felt like for the first time in a long while. His ribs stuck out sharply, and Donna knew he needed urgent help.
Within minutes, she had him in her car and on the way to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, where the team would make sure he got the care he desperately needed.
A New Name, A New Life
It turned out that fate had something wonderful in store for this boy. The team fittingly named him Kismet, meaning “destiny.”
Soon after, Kismet was placed with a foster mom named Nikki. With her care, he began to flourish. In just a few months, he started putting on weight and showing signs of joy.
“He’s doing wonderfully. He’s gaining weight (yay!) and has started wagging his tail and loves to give kisses. He sleeps a lot on any soft surface he can find. Kismet is such an awesome dog,” Nikki told the rescuers.
Thriving Seven Years Later
It didn’t take long before Nikki and her family were completely smitten. Kismet’s sweet and gentle nature stole their hearts, and Nikki knew she couldn’t let him go.
“They officially adopted him and love him to pieces. Look how amazing he is doing! She says he is the most amazing dog and she’s actually the lucky one,” the rescue shared on Facebook.
Kismet finally had the loving forever home he deserved, and life with Nikki was everything he had been denied before.
Recently, the rescue received an update on Kismet, and the transformation is incredible.
Seven years after being discovered in the trash, he is now a strong, happy dog who adores his family. Instead of lying on a heap of garbage, he now snoozes in a soft bed beside his mom, surrounded by toys.
“He sleeps in the big bed with her. He’s so happy. He loves toys. He’s a healthy, beefy boy. His eyes sparkle. He lights up any room he walks into,” the rescue said in their heartwarming update.
Once abandoned with little hope for survival, Kismet is now a shining example of what love and compassion can do.