That was the horrifying scene that the Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) discovered during one of their routine patrols.
During frigid weather, SRSL patrols diligently search the streets for distressed animals. On one such patrol, they encountered an abandoned house and found a heart-wrenching scene. In the back garden chained to a dog house was a dog desperately trying to survive.
Heart-wrenching discovery
Nicknamed Eskimo Joe by his rescuers, it was clear the poor dog had endured unimaginable suffering in the biting cold without any food or water.
Despite seeing many heartbreaking things during their patrols, the SRSL team was moved to tears at the sight of the neglected pup.
As they approached him, Eskimo Joe seemed to understand they were there to help him and immediately began wagging his tail. They grabbed some bolt cutters and quickly freed Eskimo Joe from the chains.
A gentle soul
He was swiftly taken to the shelter (enabling him to enjoy the benefit of the car’s heated seats on the way) and given a comprehensive health check, during which he tested positive for heartworm. But that didn’t break his spirit. He was placed in a foster home where he had no problems settling in.
His foster mum describes Eskimo Joe as a gentle and affectionate soul, eagerly awaiting a forever family. He enjoys the company of other dogs and would probably relish sharing a home with a canine companion and having a garden to play in.
Thanks to all the love and care he continues to receive, Eskimo Joe is positively thriving. With his ordeal well and truly over, he now patiently waits to find a family who will give him the warmth, love, and care he deserves.
