Rescued from Winter’s Chill: Eskimo Joe’s Heartwarming Journey from Abandonment to Love
Winters in St. Louis, Missouri, can be brutally cold, posing a serious threat to stray animals left out in the harsh elements. The devoted team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) tirelessly searches the city for dogs in need, especially during the frigid days of January. During one such search, their efforts led them to an abandoned house, where they made a heartbreaking discovery.
At the property, they found a small dog chained to a doghouse in the backyard, with the water inside frozen solid. The dog was curled up on the cold grass, shivering from the bitter temperatures. The scene was so distressing that SRSL shared on Facebook, “The cold wind howled, and the cold hurt after being outside for just a few moments. The callousness of this act alone gives us chills.”
Donna Lochmann, one of the compassionate SRSL rescuers, was deeply moved by the sight of the abandoned dog. She reflected, “Why someone felt you deserved to suffer with that huge chain is one of the world’s greatest mysteries. You’re free,” as they worked to free him with bolt cutters. The dog, who was named Eskimo Joe, immediately sensed that help had arrived. He greeted Donna with a wagging tail, pressing against her as they lifted him into a warm Jeep. “He stared at Donna during his freedom ride and loved the heated seats,” SRSL recounted.
After his rescue, Eskimo Joe received a thorough checkup from a veterinary team. Unfortunately, he tested positive for heartworms, a condition that, while treatable with proper medication, added to his list of challenges.
Despite his rough start, Eskimo Joe quickly proved to be a kind and gentle soul, which helped him find a loving foster home in no time. His foster mom shared, “He is the most gentle soul I have ever met. He is crate trained, potty trained, and loves to go for walks. He is a polite boy, he sits for food/treats, loves a good chin scratch, and has quickly become a cuddly couch buddy.”
Though Eskimo Joe is still searching for his forever home, he is thriving in the care of his wonderful foster family. With all the love and attention he’s receiving, there’s no doubt that his perfect home is just around the corner.
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