On a chilly February morning, Donna Lochmann, chief life saving officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, set out with a singular mission: to respond to an emergency call involving a dog in medical distress. She wasn’t expecting to encounter another pup in need along the way. But as fate would have it, a quiet figure curled up on a blanket in an alleyway would soon change the course of her day—and a dog’s life.

While driving through the city streets, Lochmann’s colleague, Natalie Thompson, spotted a small brown dog lingering near a side street. Though they were on a time-sensitive call, the sight of the dog stayed with them. After completing the first rescue, they returned to the area, hoping the dog might still be nearby. Initially, she was nowhere in sight, but soon they noticed her disappearing into an alley.

Lochmann followed cautiously, eventually arriving at an abandoned building. Inside, she discovered a staircase leading to the second floor. There, in the middle of a debris-strewn room, lay the dog curled up on a blanket. The image of a dog sleeping alone in such a desolate place struck me as both heartbreaking and surreal. She seemed young, vulnerable, and quietly waiting for someone to notice her.

Without her usual rescue tool—a slip lead—Lochmann had to return to her vehicle. When she came back, the dog had vanished. It turned out the building’s second floor had an exit to the rear, and the dog had used it. After a brief search, Lochmann found her again, this time sitting in an open field behind the building.

Approaching a stray dog can be unpredictable. Lochmann moved slowly, unsure how the pup would react. She began tossing Vienna sausages toward her, a method that has worked in the past. The dog, intrigued by the treats, cautiously followed the trail until she was close enough for Lochmann to gently slip a leash around her neck. The dog, later named Dodie, didn’t resist. In fact, she seemed relieved.

Lochmann observed that Dodie was slightly nervous but not fearful. Unlike some rescues who shy away from vehicles or human touch, Dodie placed her front paws on the back of the Jeep, allowing Lochmann to lift her in. It was as if she knew she was finally safe. “I feel like she was probably ready to go,” Lochmann told The Dodo.

At the vet, Dodie’s gentle demeanor continued to shine. Despite her rough circumstances, she allowed the medical team to examine her without protest. She was underweight but otherwise healthy. The team developed a nutrition plan to help her regain strength and soon placed her in a foster home where she could begin to heal emotionally and physically.

Dodie’s story is a touching example of how stray dog rescue efforts can transform lives. From an abandoned building to a loving foster home, her journey reflects the resilience of animals and the dedication of those who work to protect them. I found this detail striking: even after being alone in such harsh conditions, Dodie still trusted enough to accept help. That trust, however fragile, can be the bridge to a better life.

Since entering foster care, Dodie has been thriving. Her days are now filled with warmth, companionship, and consistent meals. She’s still waiting for her forever family, but in the meantime, she’s safe and cared for. Her rescuers miss her sweet presence at the shelter, but they’re grateful she no longer has to sleep on a cold blanket in a deserted building.

For those wondering how to help dogs like Dodie, supporting local rescue organizations can make a tangible difference. Whether through donations, fostering, or adopting, every effort contributes to giving these animals a second chance. Dodie’s story is a reminder of the importance of being observant and compassionate—sometimes, a simple glance down a side street can lead to an unexpected rescue.

Read more at thedodo.com