Some stories stay with us forever, and Halia’s is certainly one of them.

This sweet girl had been left alone for days, desperately hoping someone would notice her. She waited in silence, clinging to the faintest hope that a kind hand might reach out to help.

When she was finally found by a caring passerby, Halia was at her weakest. She was lying in a mix of water and trash, her frail body unable to move. All she truly needed was compassion, gentleness, and the comfort of a friend.

Thankfully, within hours, she finally received exactly that.

The Rescue Mission

Donna Lochmann, Chief Life-Saving Officer of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, was contacted about Halia and rushed into action.

Over the course of her career, Donna had witnessed many tough rescues, but even she was shaken by the sight of this poor dog. Lying helplessly in trash, unable to stand, Halia looked like she had given up.

Her back legs were completely paralyzed, leaving her only able to move her head.

The rescue team believed she had likely been struck by a car and managed to drag herself into some nearby bushes to escape the road. There she remained, starving and unable to fend for herself, until rescuers finally arrived.

Donna and her colleagues approached slowly, not wanting to frighten her. Halia was wary and clearly traumatized, so they took time to gain her trust.

Once she felt safe, Donna gently wrapped her in a blanket and lifted her into the rescue vehicle, beginning the journey to a new chapter.

Wrapped In Love

At the facility, the team carefully dried Halia and bundled her in warm blankets. She was shivering from the cold and exhaustion, so making her comfortable was their first priority.

Because she had gone so long without food, they offered her only a small amount to avoid refeeding syndrome.

It was at this moment that the staff gave her a name. She became Halia, in memory of Harris, a beloved dog the team had once lost. Her name symbolized remembrance, resilience, and the start of something new.

Veterinarians then conducted a full exam. X-rays were taken to determine the cause of her paralysis, but no clear explanation was found. Aside from her wounds and frailty, nothing visible explained why she could not move her back legs.

Despite this uncertainty, the very next morning brought a glimmer of hope. Halia had enough strength to raise her head and even managed a faint, gentle smile. For the first time since her rescue, she seemed to feel a spark of joy again.

The team decided to take her outside into the sunshine. They placed her in a wagon and pulled her gently, letting her enjoy the warm rays on her face. For a brief moment, Halia seemed to experience pure happiness.

A Heartbreaking End

But sadly, her fragile body was too weak to recover. On the third day, Halia’s strength faded completely. She could no longer eat or lift her head, and her condition worsened quickly. That same day, she passed away.

The rescuers were devastated, but also deeply grateful that they could give her love and peace in her final moments.

The Stray Rescue team comforted her with the kindest words as she left this world: “We are so sorry. You are so beautiful. We love you,” they shared.

Though her time was short, Halia’s last memory was one of kindness and compassion. She crossed the rainbow bridge surrounded by people who truly loved her.

Her story is a reminder of both the cruelty some animals endure and the incredible power of love in their final hours. Halia will never be forgotten.