Donna Lochmann, the chief life-saving officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL), has dedicated her entire life to helping animals who have nowhere else to turn.
With countless rescues already to her name, she spends her days crisscrossing the city, scanning alleys, streets, and neighborhoods for any stray or injured pet in need of a lifeline.
Her work also brings her countless calls from worried residents who spot animals in trouble.
So when word reached her about a dog tucked away in heaps of trash beneath a bustling Missouri highway, Lochmann wasted no time and headed straight out to find the frightened pup.
Searching For The Hidden Pup
The caller explained that they had passed the same area for several days and noticed the same dog lingering in the same spot each time.
When Lochmann arrived at the scene, however, there was no dog to be seen.
Instead of giving up, she decided to wait. Before long, she heard faint rustling sounds coming from a heap of trash. Then, a small face slowly emerged, watching her carefully from the shadows.
The dog looked frightened, unsure if he should trust the stranger or run away.
Lochmann knew patience was key. She crouched down, spoke softly, and tossed bits of food in his direction, hoping to show she meant no harm.
The pup, later named Gibson, hesitated at first. He didn’t take the food right away, but he stayed close enough for her to gently reach out and touch him. That was the moment she needed to loop a leash around his neck.
Gibson stood still for a moment, then slowly found the courage to follow her out of the trash pile and toward her car.
The ride back to Stray Rescue of St. Louis was calm. Once there, Gibson was given a warm bath and a filling meal. After all the fear and uncertainty, he finally looked comfortable and at peace.
It didn’t take long for his gentle and affectionate personality to shine. A kind foster soon offered him a temporary home where he could rest, heal, and feel loved.
Gibson adjusted quickly, grateful for every bit of care and comfort he received.
The Bigger Picture
According to Forbes, roughly 6.3 million animals enter U.S. shelters each year, leaving many facilities overcrowded. Stray Rescue of St. Louis faces this same ongoing challenge.
“Sadly, we have to go on another rescue freeze. We loved being on the streets this week, but more animals are coming in than are leaving. We don’t want to do this, we’ve been fighting it. But we have to say it because it’s the truth,” the shelter shared in a Facebook post.
This reality highlights how vital it is for people to help, whether by adopting, fostering, or simply spreading awareness. Each small act of kindness makes a real difference, easing the burden on shelters and reminding animals like Gibson that they are worthy of love and safety.