It was framed as a routine rescue: one mama dog with a litter, needing help. That’s what the Missouri rescuer signed up for, thinking one simple extraction from the shelter would do.
The mama waited patiently, pups around her, nothing flashy or dramatic. Just quiet desperation masked by hope. She clipped the leash and started walking with them.
Then she paused, noticing movement behind a crate; one more pup she hadn’t counted, smaller, weaker, and just showing up.
What she thought would be a straightforward rescue turned into something much richer than expected.
Wait, There Are Two Of Them?
When Donna Lochmann received news about abandoned puppies and their mom in a deserted house, she went there to help.
So, Donna prepared well and she even brought a trap with her because rescuing a mom and her puppies would take up a lot of room in her vehicle.
However, as she got to the scene, she saw something that she didn’t expect. Donna realized that it wasn’t just one dog.
There was one more big dog. She only had one trap for the big dog. She did not expect another one to show up. This complicated the situation.
Upon closer examination, Donna assumed that the other dog was likely the mama dog’s sister. Before searching for the puppies, the Missouri rescuer needed to help these dogs first.
She placed treats in her trap and waited. If they were in the trap, it would allow her to search for the puppies without any risks.
They Were Hiding Under A Pile Of Lumber
Donna called for help from the construction workers who initially called Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ (SRSL) and they searched for the puppies together.
They looked through the entire yard before finding them in a pile of lumber. They were able to secure all eight puppies, and before you knew it, their mom went into the trap.
She then reset the trap and hoped that the second dog would go inside. It seemed like the dog just understood what needed to be done, so she went right in.
Shortly after, the entire dog family was taken to SRSL veterinary clinic in Missouri, where they received medical help.
They were all given a clean bill of health, which was a good sign. The rescuers realized that the two siblings, Award and Prize, were really close, so they didn’t want to separate them.
Anyone wishing to adopt them will have to take them both in. As time went on, all the puppies got adopted, but this sweet duo is still waiting.
They have adapted to their new lives and there is no doubt that they would get along with just about anybody who is willing to give them a chance.