Playing hide and seek is usually a lighthearted game, but for one frightened pup, it became a matter of survival.
Alone in the quiet woods of Missouri, a young dog tried to stay hidden from a world that had already failed her. She chose the brush as her only refuge, believing it was the safest place to disappear.
Everything stayed the same until a determined rescuer showed her that kindness still exists.
Fergie Is Found Among The Trees
Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Missouri (SRSL) was alerted after someone spotted Fergie, a 2-year-old black and white dog, lying deep in the undergrowth.
A rescuer arrived quickly, but getting eyes on the pup was not simple.
“At first, I didn’t really see her anywhere. But I went back the next day and sure enough there she was, still in the weeds,” said Donna Lochmann, SRSL’s chief lifesaving officer.
Fergie kept her distance. Life in the cold woods had taught her that people often brought danger, not comfort.
When Donna got too close, Fergie growled, making it clear she wanted space. Yet Donna noticed something crucial beneath the fear.
“I realized that she wasn’t using her front right leg. She was clearly injured.”
A Difficult First Attempt
Thick vines and dense leaves trapped Fergie in place, and Donna knew using a slip lead would only put her at risk.
Instead, she came up with a cautious strategy.
“I thought it’d be easier to set a trap and see if she went in. So I got a bunch of fresh fried chicken and put it in one of my traps.”
Donna stepped away, hoping the tempting food might convince Fergie to walk inside.
But when she returned later that day, nothing had changed. The trap was empty, the chicken untouched, and Fergie had disappeared.
She had moved to an abandoned house nearby.
Tucked against the foundation, Fergie watched Donna from afar, still hesitant to trust.
Even so, Donna refused to give up on her.
Earning Fergie’s Trust
Donna understood that patience was key. She knelt down, spoke softly, and tried to show Fergie that she meant no harm.
“She didn’t get up and try to run away from me this time.”
Slowly, Donna inched closer. She tossed one end of the leash toward Fergie to show that it posed no threat.
Fergie barely moved.
Taking her chance, Donna slipped the loop gently over the pup’s head. Fergie remained still, as if she no longer had the strength to resist.
She seemed completely drained, worn down by fear, pain, and isolation.
Donna felt relief wash over her. She lifted Fergie carefully, carried her to the car, and rushed her to the vet.
There, a full exam revealed that the injured shoulder required amputation. Fergie also tested positive for parvo, adding to the challenges ahead.
A New Chapter Of Healing
Although her road to recovery will be long, Fergie is finally in the right place.
At Stray Rescue of St. Louis, she receives medical care, compassion, and the safety she never had in the woods.
Now surrounded by people who refuse to give up on her, this brave Missouri pup is taking her first steps toward a brighter future and a forever home that will love her unconditionally.