A few weeks ago, when temperatures in St. Louis, Missouri, dropped to single digits, rescuers from Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) took to the streets in search of dogs in need. When they stopped in front of an abandoned house during their search, they quickly realized that there was still someone left behind.
The house was empty, but a helpless animal was curled up and trembling in the backyard.
“He was chained behind an abandoned house, next to a doghouse filled with frozen water,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “The cruelty of this act alone sends chills down our spines.”
The rescue team, led by Donna Lochmann, was heartbroken, but the dog, later named Eskimo Joe, forgot all his troubles as soon as he saw his rescuers.
“We approached him, and he greeted us by wagging his tail and pressing his body against us while we used bolt cutters to free him,” SRSL wrote.
You can see images of his rescue here:
Eskimo Joe instantly knew the team was there to save him. Despite the trauma he had endured, the pup radiated love.
Lochmann loaded Eskimo Joe into the passenger seat of her Jeep, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her the entire ride.
“He stared at Donna during their journey to freedom and loved the heated seats,” SRSL wrote.
Eskimo Joe soon met the veterinary team at SRSL, who gave the sweet boy a thorough check-up. It turned out he had heartworm disease, but otherwise, he was healthy. The team started a treatment plan for Eskimo Joe that included daily medication and endless cuddles.
While they loved spending time with him, they knew he would heal faster in a warm, quiet foster home. It didn’t take long for them to find the perfect place for him.
Eskimo Joe settled into his temporary home, where he has been ever since. He is still looking for a permanent family, but for now, he is enjoying all the love that his foster parents have to give. He now looks completely different from when he was first rescued.
“He’s the sweetest soul I’ve ever met,” said Eskimo Joe’s foster mom, Tara Rueter, in a note shared by SRSL on Facebook. “This boy is as sweet as can be, and he deserves only the best!”
The SRSL team is eager to see Eskimo Joe in his forever home, but for now, they are comforted knowing he is warm and safe. They are excited to see him finally receiving all the love and attention he deserves.
