There are some acts that prove that compassion still exists. Among countless rescue stories I’ve come across over the years, this one stands out as unforgettable.
United by compassion and a shared mission, local residents and lifelong dog rescuers came together in Missouri to carry out a truly extraordinary rescue.
The House Was Falling Apart
It began with a call from a kindhearted neighbor who had seen a dog stepping onto the roof of a collapsing home for over a week.
The call reached the experienced team of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Missouri, who rushed to the location immediately.
Together with volunteers, Chief Life Saving Officer Donna Lochmann prepared to save the stranded animal. But when they arrived, the sight stunned them. The house was in ruins, and the stairwell was so unsafe no one could climb it.
Donna had to rely on an extension ladder to reach the roof. After scanning the wreckage, she finally spotted a pair of sad eyes peering through the debris.
When Donna called to him, the dog crept toward her, as though realizing help had arrived. Remarkably, he stayed calm during the entire rescue and seemed to trust her instantly.
He allowed Donna to slip a leash on him, then calmly walked to the ladder where another rescuer was waiting. The dog was gently lowered to safety.
Relief swept through the group as the dog’s paws touched the ground.
“We rescued Epic on New Year’s Day from one of the WORST houses we have ever been in… He somehow, some way, got to the top floor of a house that was not only crumbling, but there wasn’t even enough floor left for us to get to him,” SRSL team wrote on their official Facebook.
A New Year’s Rescue To Remember
The rescue had been so EPIC that the team gave him the name Epic.
At the SRSL facility, veterinarians examined him. Miraculously, he had no injuries.
Epic quickly bonded with his caregivers, showering them with affection. He leaned against them as if to say, “It’s decided, I’m all yours!”
And best of all, before long, the sweet dog captured the hearts of adopters as well.
Epic’s Bright Future Begins
Epic had been adopted into a loving home, and happiness radiated from him. He fit into family life effortlessly, smiling constantly.
“Epic has begun an epic life as an adopted baby boy! He is so funny and gallops around the yard like a gazelle,” SRSL wrote.
Now he spends his days running, leaping, and enjoying walks with his new family. Yet his favorite moments are curling up with them on the sofa.
“Epic is LOVING life now that he is FREE! He’s free from cold, and free from loneliness, and free from hunger, and free from fear. This guy is absolute perfection,” the SRSL staff wrote in one of their posts.
Once a stray struggling in a collapsing house, Epic now lives in comfort with a home and family of his own. Most importantly, he will never be alone again.