While driving through St. Louis, Missouri, a truck driver named Odell noticed something unusual: a tiny puppy, alone and trembling in a roadside ditch. Though he couldn’t stop, his quick thinking and compassion led him to contact Stray Rescue of St. Louis right away.
That one phone call would change a life forever.
Moments like these remind us how even the smallest actions during everyday routines can have life-saving impact, especially for those who can’t ask for help themselves.
A Frightened Pup Waiting For Help
Stray Rescue of St. Louis responded swiftly to Odell’s call. When they arrived, they found a small brown and white puppy curled up in the ditch, visibly in pain but still wagging her tail at Chief Life Saving Officer Donna Lochmann.
They named her Odella, in honor of the truck driver who had spotted her.
Though Odella was friendly, she was weak and clearly suffering. At first glance, her injuries weren’t obvious, but her condition was more serious than anyone expected.
Pain Beneath The Surface
“We couldn’t tell at first, but sadly our clinic informed us that she has some significant injuries. X-rays indicate a dislocated hip and broken foot,” the rescue shared in their blog.
Odella, only six months old, had been hit by a car and left to suffer in silence. Thanks to Odell’s timely call, she was now receiving the care she needed.
“To picture her quivering in that ditch all by herself and hurting breaks our heart. We are so grateful to the truck driver who somehow spotted her and saved her life. Her healing journey begins today,” they added.
A Long Road To Recovery
Veterinarians worked hard to save Odella’s leg. They repositioned her dislocated hip and used a splint to stabilize it.
Though her recovery was expected to be simple, complications from a fractured femur extended her healing time. After several months of rest and expert care, Odella was finally walking again.
During her recovery, she stayed with foster mom Donna, who had already adopted several rescue dogs. It didn’t take long to realize that Odella had found her forever home.
A New Life Filled With Love
From the moment she arrived at Donna’s house, Odella settled in effortlessly.
“She just never left. She came in, unpacked her bags, and that was pretty much it!” Donna said in a Facebook comment, confirming what everyone already suspected—Odella had claimed her spot in the family.
Now, Odella enjoys every day surrounded by love and furry siblings.
“She has the happiest personality and bounces from one dog to another to find one that will keep playing! She loves her toys and peanut butter kongs,” Donna wrote.
All of this joy began with one compassionate act. A truck driver who saw a puppy in need and chose not to look away.
What started as a heartbreaking roadside moment became a beautiful new beginning. Odella is no longer a scared, injured pup in a ditch, she’s a cherished member of a family who adores her.