It’s hard to comprehend that some people allow their four-legged friends to struggle, yet many animals are left to endure harsh conditions, often in the cold without proper shelter. A poignant story from Missouri highlights this reality, as a compassionate truck driver witnessed something truly heartbreaking during his break in a local park.
He Couldn’t Believe His Eyes
As he moved closer to the bench, the driver noticed strange movements in a box resting atop the trash can. To his shock— it was a tiny puppy!
Stunned by the sight, he promptly called Stray Rescue of St. Louis for assistance. According to the rescue’s account:
“A truck driver stopped in a park to take a break when he saw a little brown puppy in a tub on top of a trash can. He had to get back on the road, so he called us, and we headed over to get the little guy,” website post.
Despite the nighttime and poor visibility, Donna Lochmann and her team quickly reached the location. Thanks to a recent fundraiser, they were equipped with a FLIR (thermal imaging) camera to aid in the rescue.
However, the puppy was still missing. After scanning the vicinity, they finally spotted an orange blob on the camera! It was the puppy hidden in some nearby bushes. The team was thrilled to locate the pup, but his weak condition suggested the rescue was not yet complete.
“He was lethargic, vomiting, had a high fever, and absolutely no appetite,” the rescue recounted in the post. They rushed him to a veterinary clinic where he was diagnosed with a severe case of parvovirus. His condition necessitated round-the-clock care, and Donna recognized that if he hadn’t been found that night, he wouldn’t have survived.
Fortunately, Flir, as the puppy was named after the camera, proved to be a fighter. Though he faced significant challenges over the next several days, including spending time with two different emergency vets and undergoing two blood transfusions, he remained resilient. The veterinary bills were substantial, but neither he nor his community lost hope.
The saying, “It takes a village to save a dog”, rang truer than ever in Flir’s case! With the efforts of devoted rescuers and the veterinary team, he earned a second chance at life and embraced it wholeheartedly.
Flir’s Inspiring Life Journey
Once he was finally out of danger, Flir spent the next few days in foster care, revealing his true nature— a genuinely sweet dog. Days later, the best news arrived when a woman named Stephanie Meyer Schmitz and her family fell in love with Flir’s story and decided to adopt him.
Stephanie expressed her gratitude towards Flir’s rescuers for their belief in him and for creating this wonderful bond.
“Thank you to Stray Rescue for saving this baby’s life – to his rescuer Donna (who found him that night), all the vet staff that fought to save him, and his foster parents who loved him until we could bring him home,” Stephanie wrote on Facebook.
Now known as Oliver, Flir is thriving as a big dog, relishing his new life with a loving family.
“My sweet little man, you are home— with a family who loves you, who will protect you and cherish you,” she expressed.
To ensure Flir had a companion, Stephanie adopted another dog, a puppy named Poppy.
Flir/Oliver and Poppy have quickly become inseparable, and their lives are now filled with joy and companionship. After enduring so many challenges, this happy-go-lucky pup has completely transformed, embracing his new adventure-filled life. Isn’t that every dog’s dream?
