It’s disheartening to see our furry friends suffering again and again. Stray animals fill the streets, and instead of offering help, too many humans respond with cruelty. This makes me incredibly thankful for compassionate animal rescuers who dedicate their lives to bringing love and happiness to these innocent beings, like Donna Lochmann.
No Pup Left Behind

As the chief life-saving officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL), Lochmann has an impressive history of rescues. Whenever she hears about a pup in distress, she jumps into action without hesitation. So when news of a little pup hiding in an abandoned home reached her, she quickly assembled her gear and set off. Upon arrival, she found the home in complete disarray.

Amidst the debris, a tiny, adorable face peeked through, confused by the commotion. Lochmann quickly spoke to her in a soft, soothing tone, assuring her help was here. Though cautious, the pup allowed Lochmann to approach, sensing her trustworthiness.

To avoid alarming her further, Lochmann offered the pup some tasty food, helping to fill her empty belly and demonstrate that humans can be loving caregivers. As the pup enjoyed her meal, Lochmann gently slipped a leash around her head. Initially startled by the leash, the pup calmed down when she heard Lochmann’s reassuring voice.

Once outside, the pup visibly relaxed. She even welcomed a few affectionate pets! After enjoying some rest on the grass, Lochmann was able to take this sweet girl to her vehicle. Inside, the transformation was remarkable; she had shifted from a timid pup to a joyful one, wagging her tail and beaming at her rescuer!

A Better World
Now named Kukala, the pup was brought to the St. Louis shelter, where she finally received the love and care she had long deserved. “You’re coming with us. You will never be alone again. Just take this leap of faith with us. It’s ok if you have to crawl. We’re so proud of you. We can’t wait to show you toys, treats, puppy friends, and all the love you’ve been missing. You’re so worthy, little one,” the shelter shared.
Seeing a rescued pup transform brings tears to my eyes every time. This shows that all our furry friends need is a little bit of patience and love – along with a few tasty treats now and then!