For stray dogs, life on the streets is a daily battle for survival. They search endlessly for scraps of food and safe places to rest, while quietly longing for someone to notice them.
Despite being overlooked by passersby, they continue fighting, holding on to the hope that one day, a kind human will stop and offer them love.
Avalanche, a young stray, was one of those dogs. With no shelter to call his own, he curled up under a car in a St. Louis neighborhood, trying to stay warm.
Would anyone finally see him? Could his life change for the better?
A Call For Help
When Donna Lochmann, a seasoned rescuer with Stray Rescue of St. Louis, got word about a dog hiding under a vehicle, she rushed to the area.
She carefully searched around, listening for any sound that might lead her to the frightened pup. Suddenly, she heard growling coming from a nearby van. That’s when she spotted him.
What broke her heart most was the defeated expression in his eyes. His body was thin and covered in painful sores.
Donna recognized the growling for what it was: fear and self-defense. Deep down, his eyes pleaded for help.
Building A Connection
To ease his fear, Donna offered him sausages. The starving Pit Bull devoured them immediately, his tail beginning to wag in gratitude.
Even in his fragile state, his joy at the simple act of kindness was unmistakable.
Donna then tossed sausages farther away from the van, encouraging him to step out. Slowly, he crawled out of his hiding place, still nervous but wagging his tail nonstop.
Once he was close enough, Donna gently secured him with a leash. The dog, later named Avalanche, seemed both relieved and hesitant.
When it came time to climb into her Jeep, Avalanche froze, unsure if he could trust what was happening.
To reassure him, Donna made a trail of sausages leading right into the vehicle.
“He just followed that little trail of sausages. And then he let me pick up and put him in the Jeep,” she shared.
On The Road To Healing
Finally safe, Avalanche was rushed to the vet. His frail body showed just how long he had gone without proper care.
Because of his severe malnourishment, the vet placed him on a carefully monitored refeeding plan. His sores, most likely caused by sitting on hard concrete for weeks, were treated with antibiotics.
During his stay at the clinic, Avalanche quickly captured the hearts of everyone around him. Caregivers showered him with love and attention, giving him the warmth he had been missing for so long.
Although they knew they would miss him, the staff was thrilled when it was time for Avalanche to leave for a foster home. He would finally get to spend the holidays surrounded by love and comfort.
A Foster Home Full Of Care
In his foster home, Avalanche thrived. His foster mom devoted herself to making him feel secure, offering endless cuddles and affection.
With proper care, his body grew stronger, and his playful spirit began to shine. He happily interacted with everyone he met, soaking in every bit of love that came his way.
Although Donna knew his recovery journey was not yet complete, she saw a remarkable difference in his demeanor.
“You can just see the difference in his eyes. There’s more life to his eyes now than when we first got him. He doesn’t have that defeated look anymore,” she explained.
Once fully healed, Avalanche’s greatest wish finally came true: he was adopted into a forever home. His new parents adored him from the moment they met.
“He fits in like a gem! My wife Catherine Wern-Gruber and I are in love,” his dad wrote on Facebook.
Now, Avalanche enjoys snuggling with his family and spending time with his dog siblings. His days of hiding under a car are long behind him.
Thanks to the caring person who called for help, and to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Avalanche no longer has to struggle for survival. Instead, he gets to live the happy, love-filled life he always deserved.