When the team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis received word about a dog roaming alone through the woods, they acted immediately.
Supplies were gathered without delay, and they headed out with one goal in mind, finding the frightened dog and getting him somewhere safe.
They understood how unforgiving the forest could be, especially for a dog left to survive on his own. With food and blankets in hand, they hoped they would reach him before the elements took their toll.
The search stretched on for hours. Trees blurred together, and hope began to thin.
Just as the team considered turning back, a faint shape appeared ahead, a small gray body curled tightly among fallen leaves.
Found Huddled Among The Trees
As they moved closer, there was no doubt. This was the dog they had been searching for.
Startled by unfamiliar voices and movement, the pup went completely still. Fear held him in place as he tried to decide whether these strangers meant safety or danger.
One rescuer slowly lowered herself to the ground and extended a treat. The scent was too tempting to ignore.
He crept forward and took it, eating as if he had gone far too long without food.
The small meal gave him enough strength to rise and shuffle a few steps toward them.
That was when the rescuers noticed how thin he was, ribs pressing sharply beneath his coat. A closer look revealed a wound on his leg, and exhaustion weighed heavily on his body.
Light was fading fast. Nightfall was close, and the team knew they could not afford to wait.
Carrying Him Beyond The Woods
When it was time to leave, the dog hesitated. The open space beyond the trees seemed to frighten him even more than the forest itself.
To ease his fear, one rescuer gently lifted him and carried him toward the trail. Once placed down, he tried to walk, but the vehicle was still a mile away.
Before long, his strength gave out completely.
His body simply could not go any farther. Without pause, the team took turns carrying him the rest of the distance.
By the time they reached the car, darkness had settled in. Even so, everyone made it out safely. The dog was finally on his way to the clinic, wrapped in warmth and care.
They named him Matlock.
“He had the best night’s sleep he’s had in a very. long. Time. He is not out of the woods, and he’ll have to fight for his life. His body weight is at a very dangerous level, especially for the size dog he is. But he’s in the right place. He’s very sweet and very safe. You got this buddy,” the rescue wrote on their Facebook page.
For the first time in a long while, Matlock was able to rest without fear, surrounded by gentle hands instead of isolation.
His road ahead was not simple. Veterinary exams revealed that the injury on his leg was actually a tumor that required immediate attention.
Still, Matlock now has something that changes everything.
He is no longer alone, and his future is being protected by people who are fully invested in his recovery and well-being.