A kind man called Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) to report a dog sighting. Lochmann, the shelter’s chief life saving officer, immediately arrived at the scene. She searched every floor, but never saw anything and came out empty-handed.
As the temperature dropped and more calls about dogs barking from inside the building, Lochmann decided to return to the building. This time, she found a dog. She saw the dog lying in the grass.
However, when Lochmann entered the building, the dog hid in one of the many empty apartments. She couldn’t find the dog on her own, so Lochmann went back to the shelter and recruited the help of other staff members.
Lochmann and her team returned to the building the next day, and as they went from room to room in search of the dog, they suddenly heard barking coming from inside. Lochmann got over there and there was a poor dog just lying in the rubble. The dog was absolutely trembling, her legs were shaking so hard.
Although the weather was cold that day, Lochmann knew that the dog’s shivering was more due to fear than lack of warmth.
To get the dog out of the building, Lochmann decided to use a plastic crate instead of trying to lead him out on a leash. When the dog was in the crate, she was calm.
Lochmann and her team carried the crate out of the building, then gently loaded it into her Jeep. They brought her back to the shelter, where she underwent a medical evaluation. Luckily for the dog, she passed with flying colors.
Lochmann then named the dog Habenero. She was OK physically, but she was still a little nervous when she first got to the shelter.
Habenero was still pretty scared at first, but she came around fairly quickly. Within a few days, she wasn’t growling anymore and she stopped shaking when the rescuers would talk to her.
Habanero has since been spending time with Lochmann and her team at the shelter, slowly getting used to her surroundings. Together, they go on walks around the neighborhoods surrounding the shelter and enjoy plenty of snuggles throughout the day.
Lochmann feels Habanero is now ready to move into a foster family because she feels so comfortable. It’ll be yet another change for the 7-year-old dog, but Lochmann is confident that she’ll thrive.
It’s always important to take action and report any animals in need that you come across, as it can make a significant difference in their lives.
The determination of Lochmann and the other staff members at the shelter to find the dog is truly admirable. It’s heartbreaking to think of the dog trembling on a pile of rubble, but it’s heartwarming to know that she was finally noticed and rescued.
Stories like this highlight the importance of animal rescue organizations and the incredible difference that they can make in the lives of animals in need. If you have a question related to this story or about how to help animals in need, please let me know and I’ll do my best to assist you.
