The image that landed on the desks of Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) staff was a heartbreaker. A small dog lay abandoned on a pile of lumber, with only four chilling words accompanying it: “Dog shot, needs help.”
Cassady took responsibility for saving the injured dog
The despair in the photograph sparked an immediate reaction. “Cassady didn’t take a breath before she said, ‘Bring me that baby,'” SRSL recounted on Facebook. Cassady, a member of the SRSL team, personified the unwavering empathy that defines their organization.
The picture captured a fleeting moment of connection – the dog’s gaze fixed on the good Samaritan who discovered her, both waiting for their rescuers. Moments later, SRSL’s team arrived, gently lifting the terrified pup from the wooden pile and offering her a ride to safety.
The extent of her injuries remained unknown, but the team carried a flicker of optimism.
A Lucky Break: A Treatable Injury
At SRSL’s veterinary hospital, the dog, christened Propeller, received a thorough examination. While they confirmed a gunshot wound, it wasn’t as severe as initially feared. The shrapnel lodged in her leg, thankfully, missed vital organs, her spine, and her knee joint.
Relief washed over the staff. Propeller’s injuries were treatable and wouldn’t leave any lasting damage. She underwent emergency surgery to remove the object, a procedure from which she made a swift recovery.
“This gunshot victim is sooo lucky to not have lasting injuries,” SRSL wrote, acknowledging the remarkable turn of events. Propeller’s survival was attributed to a guardian angel, a sentiment echoing the remarkable odds she had overcome.
The dog received lots of love during his recovery
Though shaken by the ordeal, Propeller found solace in the constant care and affection she received at SRSL. Her sweet personality, momentarily veiled by fear, began to blossom. “She’s about 2 years old and a total love bug,” SRSL wrote, highlighting Propeller’s inherent warmth.
A month after her rescue, Propeller was a transformed dog. Her once-ailing leg was now strong, allowing her to run and play with her newfound friends at the shelter. While she enjoyed the camaraderie, a longing for a forever home began to take root.
A forever family for the dog
The team at SRSL envisioned a perfect future for Propeller – a loving family, a cozy bed, and sunbeams to bask in as she took long naps. They believed her affectionate nature and easy-going demeanor would make her an ideal companion.
“THIS dog here is the epitome of love,” SRSL declared on Facebook, their words a testament to Propeller’s unwavering capacity for affection. Her resilience in the face of cruelty was inspiring, and her gentle nature captured everyone’s hearts.
Propelled by Propeller’s charm and their dedication to finding her a perfect home, the team at SRSL remained steadfast in their efforts. While she continued to enjoy her time at the shelter, surrounded by love and playful companions, everyone knew this was just a waiting station on her journey to a true happily-ever-after.
