Donna Lochmann, of Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL), Missouri faced one of her busiest days yet.
Nineteen dogs were pulled from a private home in a single operation, and among them was one little pup who struggled the most.
The young dog could not understand that Donna meant no harm. Her fear of people made every step of the rescue a battle.
Terrified Pup Cornered
The puppy pressed herself tightly into a corner, barking furiously whenever Donna came near.
But Donna, determined not to leave her, refused to give up.
“She was pretty feral. She clearly had not been handled by humans,” said Donna, chief life saving officer at SRSL.
The team knew little about how the dogs had been raised, but one thing was certain, none had received proper care or socialization.
Without human contact, they had grown up afraid of people, unsure of their intentions.
This little one, later named Roaring River, was the most frightened of them all.
Still, Donna and SRSL’s shelter manager, Kiara, kept trying. They were not going to give up on this pup!
Each time Kiara reached toward her, Roaring River snapped and nipped at her arm. Finally, the exhausted pup began to weaken, giving Donna the chance to lift her safely.
Both women felt enormous relief as Roaring River was placed in the car, headed at last for the Missouri shelter.
Adjusting At The Shelter
Once back at SRSL, every rescued dog received a complete medical exam and treatment.
When each dog received the treatment they needed, and the attention they deserved, they were ready to start their new life.
Roaring River, however, needed more time to get used to her new environment.
She had never worn a leash before and panicked at the thought of walking on one. At first, the SRSL staff had to carry her to the yard for exercise.
We carried her out to the yard the first few times until she got more used to being on a leash and walking some. But even then, it was a struggle.
With patience, she finally gained confidence and got used to the leash. Soon she was dashing around freely with the other dogs.
She runs, plays and chases the other dogs. She’s a totally different dog.
Finding A Forever Family
As her spirit brightened, it was time to seek her a forever home that would give her all the love and attention this little pupper deserved.
Her siblings were quickly adopted, but Roaring River still waited. She seemed certain the right family would come and take her in with open arms someday.
And she was right.
Not too long afterward, a family started coming to the shelter regularly, playing with Roaring River and making her get used to them, as they did not want to shock her by just suddenly taking her to a new environment.
They’re just really letting her get used to them, which is a smart way to handle that. They seem very patient and understanding of her situation.
Before long, she was ready to go home with them.
The sweetest surprise came when Roaring River discovered she wasn’t leaving alone.
Her adopters welcomed another dog as well, giving her not only a family but a lifelong furry companion.
Now she spends her days running, playing, and sharing the love she once feared.
Good girl, Roaring River!
SRSL captured her remarkable journey, see it here.