Stray Rescue of St Louis works tirelessly across Missouri, to help rescue abandoned, beaten, injured and betrayed dogs in need of help.
In their line of work, there's very little the rescue team hasn't seen. But, once in a while, a case stands out.
An urgent rescue
The call reached the rescue team thanks to a caring samaritan, who had witnessed a woman locking her dog in a dumpster and running off, clearly determined to abandon the poor pup and not get caught.
When they arrived on the scene the shelter staff were terrified. With soaring temperatures, they had no idea what effects the heat could have on the terrified dog.
Peering into the dumpster they saw a little face staring back at them. It was the face of a female Pit Bull Terrier, they later named Malea.
The sweetest soul
It quickly became apparent that Malea was the sweetest girl. She may have been hot and scared, but this didn't deter from her wonderful personality.
"We tried holding back tears, but this really choked us up", explained the rescue. "Yes she's alive. And she's perfect in every way. She is not trash".
While Malea was now in safe hands, the rescue team's work was nowhere near over for the day. On the way back to the centre, another urgent call came in, for two puppies abandoned in a car park.
Without hesitation, they headed straight to them, and with their precious cargo of 3, made their way back.
Without a single kennel space open, the team appealed for foster homes for the new arrivals. And thankfully, people responded, meaning Malea and the pups could wait for their furever homes in safety.
