Upon receiving word of a lost pup stranded in the woods, a dedicated team from Stray Rescue Of St. Louis quickly gathered their supplies and set out for the location. Understanding how cold and frightening the woods can be, they were determined to act swiftly and packed some delicious food for the hungry dog.
Searching through the expansive forest proved challenging and after several hours without success, the team was about to leave when they spotted a tiny gray figure nestled among the dried leaves.
You Are Safe Now, Sweet Boy
Recognizing the significance of their discovery, the rescuers felt a rush of hope. When the pup first noticed the team, he appeared startled, overwhelmed by their presence. Fortunately, one of the rescuers gently pulled out a tasty treat, approached him slowly, and offered the food. Instantly, the pup’s fear subsided as he gobbled up the treat, finally satiating his hungry belly.
This act of kindness encouraged the pup to compose himself, stand up, and follow the rescuers. However, they soon noticed he had a wound on his leg and, more concerning, his skeletal frame was unnervingly visible beneath his skin. Yet, they faced another dilemma: if they didn’t leave soon, the impending nightfall would make their exit even more perilous.
A Little Problem
As they began their return journey, they encountered a challenge; the pup was too frightened to leave the woods. To help him overcome his fears, one rescuer gently picked him up and placed him on a path where he could walk on his own. However, a new hurdle arose—their vehicle was parked a mile away. The exhausted pup could only walk short distances, but the team was more than happy to carry him the rest of the way.
Despite the sunset, they managed to reach their car before darkness enveloped the forest. The next step was to take Matlock to the clinic for a much-needed medical examination. Safe at last, Matlock was now on the path to recovery.
“He had the best night’s sleep he’s had in a very long time. He is not out of the woods yet, as he will have to fight for his life. His body weight is dangerously low for his size, but he’s in the right place. He’s very sweet and safe. You can do this, buddy,” the rescue team shared on their Facebook page.
At last, Matlock received the love and care he always deserved, though his recovery journey was just beginning. Medical tests revealed that the wound on his leg was actually a tumor requiring urgent attention. To stay updated on Matlock’s journey and contribute to his recovery, please visit his page.
