It’s always heartbreaking to be reminded of the cruelty some dogs endure at the hands of their owners. Instead of being loved and cherished, they are abandoned without care or remorse.
This is the story of Malea, a gentle dog who was thrown away like garbage. She was locked inside a hot dumpster by someone who never looked back, left alone to suffer without anyone to comfort her.
Malea waited, hoping good people would arrive in time to save her and finally give her the love she deserved.
Rescuers Rush To Save The Sweet Pittie
A kind passerby witnessed the disturbing act in a Missouri neighborhood and immediately contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis for help.
Donna Lochmann, the chief life-saving officer, and her team rushed to the scene without hesitation.
When they lifted the dumpster lid, they were greeted by a pair of soulful eyes staring back at them.
The sweet pup wagged her tail and even managed a smile, as if to say she was relieved that someone cared enough to come.
The rescuers were thankful she was alive but could not hold back their emotions. It broke their hearts to know that a human had been capable of doing something so cruel to an innocent dog.
“We tried to hold back tears, but this really choked us up. It was so hot inside; we’re thankful she didn’t pass out,” Stray Rescue Louis wrote on their Facebook.
They shuddered to think what might have happened if she had been left inside the sweltering dumpster any longer.
Malea’s First Taste Of Safety
Lochmann carefully climbed into the dumpster and stroked the frightened Pittie, who would soon be given the name Malea. After gently looping a leash around her neck, she lifted the dog to safety.
Malea was carried to the car and whisked away toward the shelter. During the ride, she showered her rescuers with kisses, grateful to be free. Lochmann hugged her close and whispered words of comfort, assuring her that her life mattered.
“You’re a beautiful girl. You do not belong in the dumpster. You are not trash. You are NOT trash. No. You’re a beautiful girl. Your life matters. Yes, it does.”
Leaning against her rescuer’s shoulder, Malea finally felt safe.
But the mission wasn’t over yet. While they were still driving to the shelter, another urgent call came in. Two puppies had been abandoned in a downtown parking lot and needed help right away.
The team responded immediately, picking up the joyful little pups and then heading back with all three dogs safe in their care.
A New Start For Malea And Her Friends
Because the shelter was full at the time, the puppies were placed in foster care. Malea was enrolled in the shelter’s Rovernight program, which allows dogs to stay with families for a few days at a time.
“She’s in a loving home being spoiled! She gets along great with other dogs and is gentle with little kids, too,” Natalie Thomson, the rescue’s Director of Marketing.
Now, all three pups are being cared for and adored while they wait for their forever homes.
There is no doubt that they will find the families they dream of. They deserve nothing less than to be treated as treasures, because that’s exactly what they are.
Malea’s rescue is a powerful reminder of how important it is to act when an animal is in distress. Just one call to a shelter or rescue can be the difference between life and death.
We are deeply thankful to the Good Samaritan who reached out after seeing Malea in the dumpster. His quick decision saved her life and gave her the chance to be loved again.